LARGEST WEEKLY CIRCULATION IN AMERICA IDEAL PUBLICATION ) FOR THE AMERICAN YOUTH ‘issued anew By Subs ee n $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at New York Post Office by STREET & SMITH, 276 William St., N. Y. Price, Five Cents. ‘‘ Boys,’’ said Hurley, «that man Merriwell has invented a new curve, and we’ll have to wake up and hustle if we expect to get any safe hits off him to-day.” PHYSICAL CULTURE DEPARTMENT. Edited by PROF. FOURMEN. Owing to the large number of letters now awaiting answers, which are being constantly added to each day, it will be necessary to condense some of thin, retaining only the more important questions: Correspon- dents are. requested to make their letters as brief as possible, in order that all may be answered in due time. Pror. Fourmen: Having read the Tip Top Weekly for many years, I take the liberty of asking a few questions. I am. I4 years old, and am 5 feet 2 inches in height. I weigh 115 pounds. 1. What do you think of these measurements? 2. I am very fat; and’ I would like’ to know. what exercises ‘I should take to get rid of some of my flesh? 3. What should I eat? Yours truly, Henry JACOBSON. 1. I think they are very much above the average. 2. Exercise is the best flesh remover—a daily walk of three or four miles, and thirty to forty minutes of speedy medicine ball throwing before eating in the morning should aid you greatly. Never work up a sweat without taking e quick, two-minute bath afterward, and never bathe without lathering yourself with soap. Also rub yourself to a glow quickly, and get in your ¢lothes. Box, wrestle, row and play tennis or ball, if you have time, but do the others, anyhow. 3. Plain lean meat, and little of it. and so on. Drink pure water only. Avoid fats, gravies, sugar Pror. FourMEN: Being a constant reader of Tip Top, I would like to ask you a few questions. I am 18 years of age, weigh 152 pounds and am 5 feet 5 inches tall, in street dress. My measurements are as follows: Chest, 33 inches; waist, 32 inches; neck, 134 inches; biceps, natural, 10 inches; contracted, 12 inches; forearms, 914 inches; upper arms, 9% inches; waist, 7% inches; calves, 13!%4 inches; ankles, 9 inches; hips, 35 inches; reach, 70 inches. 1. How is my weight? 2. How are my meas- urements? 3. What are my strong points? 4. What are my weak points? 5. My wind is also bad. How can I remedy this? 6. Are the quarterlies the same as Tip Top? Yours truly, Aberdeen, So. Dak. A Tie Top Rearer. 1. Your weight is fifteen pounds above the mark. You should train down. 2. Only fair. 3. Your biceps are your only noticeable strong point. 4. Waist, chest and calves. You should exercise the muscles of your abdomen more, practice deep breathing for your chest, and ride a bicycle for your calves. 5. Take a two or three-mile run once or twice a week. 6. Yes; only they contain a whole series of Tip Tops—thirteen to seventeen numbers—all relating to a special group of experi- ences. Pror. FourMEN: It is a long time since I have written to this department, and I think I will again place before you my meas- The following are my meas- months: Age, 18 years 10 urements and ask a few questions. urements and increase in twelve months—increase, I year; chest, contracted, 3314 inches—in- crease, 21%4 inches; normal, 35 inches—increase, 2 inches; ex- panded, 39 inches—increase, 2 inches; waist, 30 inches—increase, 1% inches; biceps, right, 1214 inches—increase, 114 inches; left, 12 inches—increase, 134 inches; forearm, right, 1114 inches— increase, 1 inch; left, 11 inches—increase, 34 inch; thigh, right, 21 inches—increase, % inch; left, 21 inches—increase, 114 inches; calf, right, 14 inches—no increase; left,. 14 inches—in- crease, %4 inch; height, 5 feet 9 inches—increase, 114 inches; weight, 160 pounds—increase, 9 pounds; reach, 72 inches. Three years ago my chest measured 29 to 32 inches. [| didn’t think that such an increase was possible, but I kept at it and the result speaks for itself. I work in a grocery store. My hours are from 7 A. M. to 9.30 P. M., with a half hour each for supper and af dinner, and I usually have from one and a half to two hours in the afternoon or evening. This is in the summer. In the winter, from 8.30 A. M. to 9 P. M., one hour for dinner and one-half hour for supper, and two nights a week off. In the summer I play ball, row, swim and go sailing in my spare time. I don’t think I will have time to play ball much next summer. In winter I snowshoe most cf the time when I am not working, skate and saw and cut wood. 1. How are my measurements? 2; What branch of athletics do you think I am best suited for? Am a fair jumpers and have good wind for long-distance run- ning. Is it harmful to eat any of the following fruits between meals, viz.: Oranges, apples, bananas, pineapples, grapes, peaches, pears, dates, figs and nuts. I eat quite a lot of these through the day, in their*season. I also* drink. quite a lot of carbonated beer in the summer time. Thanking you for space and time, I re- main, while Tip Top is published, “AN INTERESTED READER.” St. Andrews, N. B., Canada. 1. Excellent. 2.. You ought to make a good runner. 3. No. Between meals is just the timesto eat them, if you care for them. PreFr. FcurMEN: I am 16 years of age; height, 5 feet 7 inches; weight, 134% pounds. 1. How much should I weigh? I have grown very fast and have grown out of my strength. I have got thin growing. 2. How can I get more weight and more strength? Thanking you in advance, very truly yours, oe Boston, Mass. I. 145 pounds. 2. Time will take care of you very nicely. You should prac- tice deep breathing and get out in the open air as much as possible. Play handball, baseball, tennis and the like, and run, row, swim, box, wrestle, punch the bag, throw the medicine ball, etc., whenever you get a chance. Keep yourself perfectly clean, and drink three glasses of hot water on rising, together with four or five more during the day between meals, and you will pick up in flesh. Observe regular hours. Pror. FourMEN: Being a constant reader of Tip Top Weekly, I take the liberty of asking you a few questions and sending you my measurements, which were takey Sut recently. My age is 18 years 5 months; height, 5 feet 10/4 inches, stocking feet; weight, 157 pounds, stripped; chest, 38% inches; expanded, 45 inches; waist, 30 inches; hips, 3634 inches; thigh, 2234 inches; calf, 141% inches; across shoulders, 18% inches; reach, 75 inches. I have indulged in all sorts of athletic sports for the lest three or four years. The following are my best records in these events rp to the time of writing this: Twelve-pound-shot ptt, 29 fcet 8 inches; standing broad jump, 9 feet 8 inches; bar vault, 6 feet 1 inch; pole vault, 9 feet 111% inches; discus throw, o9 feet 11 inches; chin bar, thirty-one times with two hands, five times with right hand alone. 1. Am I well proportioned? 2. How do my measurements compare with other boys of my age or height? 3. How are these records? Thanking you in ad- vance, I remain, yours truly, HSV, Cleveland, Ohio. tT. Very, 2.:They are very much above the average. 3. Excellent. Pror. FourMEN: would ask you a few questions. pounds. Being a reader of Tip Top, I thought I I am 19 years old and weigh 131 My height is 5 feet 9 inches. 1.-How much should I weigh? 2. I am very square-shouldered and my wind is not very good. What would you advise me to do? F. H. Martin. Manchester, N. H. I. 145 pounds. 2. Surely you do not mean to say that you are quarreling with your square shoulders. Pe thankful for them. For your wind, practice deep breathing and take an occasional two or three- — mile run. 4 u . = n @ Ulo- Ulu. Oo Osw tae ' = = can Yotith eo are. Y foFthe Arig Shy Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second-class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 79-59 Seventh Avenue, N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress tn the year 1005, «n the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. No. 479, NEW YORK, June 17, 1905. Price Five Cents. ~ FRANK MERRIWELL’S LEVEL BEST: OR, ae a Cutting the Corners With a New Curve. By BURT L. STANDISH. CHAPTER I. THE PLAN OF MELVIN M’GANN. Two men sat talking in the room back of the Hotel Imperial bar, New York City. The slim, dark-eyed man, with the tiny mustache, was Melvin McGann, until recently a partial owner of the Philadelphia Ath- letics. The stout, sandy man, with the red face and red necktie, was Robert Gowan, at one time interested in the New York Giants. > . “Tm afraid it’s a wild scheme, McGann,” said the latter, in a husky voice, which seemed choked and somewhat smothered in the speaker's thick throat. “You're looking for revenge, regardless of conse- quences, that’s what’s the matter.” ( _“T’m looking for revenge,” admitted McGann; “I admit that. But I’m no fool. The plan is practical. _ Hurley convinced me of that. We can’t lose much, and we may open up a field that will revolutionize base- ball.” “Tl’m not a revolutionist,’ wheezed Gowan. “If there’s money in it, 1 may be interested, not otherwise.” ~ “Well, there’s a prospect of money in it. It might mean the forming of a new league, with you and me at its head.” “Huah!” grunted Gowan, noncommittally. “Why not?” exclaimed McGann. “You know, as well as I, that every year the big leagues ‘try out’ a lot of good men who.are not kept simply because there is not room for them. These men are held until after the season is fairly under way and then. are dropped. They go to the minor leagues and to independent — teams. Many times they are fast enough for the major | league teams, but they fail to land because old-stagers _ pan out and hold their jobs for another season, Think — 2 4k "208, how Anson held on year after year when it was thought he could not last. Consider Cy Young. Con- sider dozens who are old enough to be shelved, yet who hang on from year to year. The old-stagers know the game, but they lack the enthusiasm of youngsters. Think of Hanlon’s success in making up a National League team of pennant winners from outcasts.” “A trick he has never been able to repeat.” “Still he did it once.. What has been done might he done again. I'll guarantée that this year the two big leagues will drop enough cracking good youngsters to form another fast six-team league. It has been done already.” “And most of the men have secured positions on minor leagues.” “T’m not talking about forming a league—this year. I’m talking about getting together one team, made up of outcasts, that can trim anything playing baseball, not barring the Giants, the Yankees or the Bean Eat- ers.” “Can it be done?” vapure.” “You'll have to show me.” “Wait till Hurley comes,” nodded McGann, looking at his watch. “He should be here now. He'll tell you what men he can get hold of.” “He’s a sorehead.”’ “Yes, he’s sore, and you can’t blame him. He had every reason to suppose he’d make the Cleveland team. He’s one of the greatest stickers in the country. Not even Lajoie can swatt the ball harder or oftener. And he’s a great first baseman. “As an organizer and cap- tain he ranks with Collins.” “Then why didn’t he get there?” “‘Tealousy—that’s what he says.” “That’s what he says,’’ wheezed McGowan. “They all have some such tale to tell after they’re dropped.” “J happen to know he tells the truth. He came on from the West and spent all the spring getting into condition. He seemed to. have a cinch. There was talk of farming him and holding him over for next year, but a certain power prevented, and he suddenly found himself out in the cold, cold world. Jersey City wants him; Los Angeles wants him; Fort Worth wants him. But he wants revenge. He was the man who talked me into the idea of getting together a team of outcasts and showing up some of the big teams.” “How do you propose to show them up?” “Beat them at their own game.” “That’s easy enough—to talk abont.” “Tt can be done.” 2 WEEKLY. At this time of the year they are pretty busy among themselves, with no open dates.” “They won’t play you. “You forget Sundays. Sunday baseball is not played in Boston, New York and several other places. Every Sunday a number of while others play. On week days we can get games with the best independent teams.” “And lose money right along.” ‘“No. Hurley says he knows a dozen men who have been dropped and who will go into the scheme heartily if they see a chance to get up against one or two of the big teams, so they can demonstrate what they can do. These men are enthusiastic, and they'll play for expenses up to the time that the team makes money. They will sign with the understanding that they are to be paid certain salaries if the receipts justify it. You see there is no probability of any great loss, and there is a possibility of big profits.” | Gowan meditated. “After showing me that a team of fast players can be made up,” he finally wheezed, “‘you’ll have to show me that such a team can get at least one game with some of the majors.” “Will you take hold of it then?” “J-—I may,” answered the stout man, cautiously. “Well, here, I have a pull with two managers who will favor me. Look at these letters. Here’s one from Collins, of Boston, and this is from McGraw. Both promise to give me a game if I get the team and they find an open date.” big league teams rest, Gowan adjusted a pair of spectacles and examined the letters placed before him, while McGann lighted a cigarette. , “All very friendly and fine,” admitted the stout man, as he refolded the letters; “but neither man makes a definite promise.” “As far as possible, both do. I know they’ll keep their word. IT’Jl guarantee to get a game with one of those teams, if, we can make up a bunch that is fast ,enough. I can get the field in Hoboken for almost any Sunday if [ arrange for it in advance. We can draw a mob. I tell you, Bob, we'll make money, sure as fate. If we succeed with one team made up from outcasts this year, we can keep our little scheme quiet, -and next season we can begin early to make arrange- ments, and we can spring the Outcasts League, which will come pretty near rating with the National or the American. Of course we'll be outsiders for a season: but we may be able to show the country some baseball - that will make the National Association recognize us, a ee heli ie me : ee ners napciaeh steels Be diese iti iaaning haa teiSotiotnss aaa ae until to-night. him, Mr. McGann. have opened their eyes. 4 champs.” Backing, Mr. McGann?” 4a oeoe In two or three years, if we plan properly and carry out our schemes, we may be pushing the two top- _notchers for leadership. That would give me all the revenge I want for being crowded out in Philadelphia.” “It’s a visionary scheme, Mel. I doubt if it can be _ carried through, though we might see what can be done this year with a bunch of outcasts. I'd like to hear what Hurley has to say. Why doesn’t he show up?” “Here he comes now,” said McGann. ay CHAPTER II. THE RISE OF THE OUTCASTS. Hurley was a well set-up young chap, with a busi- ness-liké air. His face was pleasant yet grave. He had the chin and nose of a commander, while his eye was quick and penetrating. He advanced and greeted Melvin McGann, who shook hands with him and then introduced him to Gowan. The stout man shook hands without rising. was little polish about him. | “Hope you've not been waiting for me a great while, gentlemen,” said Hurley. “I’ve been. talking with Mat O’Neill, who was just thinking of starting for Hartford, where he has a chance to get into the Con- necticut State League. I induced him to stop over Told him there was something in the wind and outlined enough of the scheme to interest him, without letting him into.all the details. I had to do it, for O’Neill is just the man we want. You know He pitched in the Northern New York League last season and made a wonderful record. Collins picked him out and gave him a trial in New Orleans. He lost the game, and he hasn’t been given another chance. Collins dropped him. He had hard luck in New Or- leans. If they’d tried him again I’m sure he would I'd like to run him against the There Hurley was a man of enthusiasm. He expressed it in his manner of speech, yet there was that about him which indicated that he was not headstrong and reck- less. | : _ “Sit down, Hurley,” invited McGann. you have on the string.” The ball player took a chair and the three drew close “Tell us who : together around one of the little tables. “Ts it a go?” asked Hurley. “ “Can you raise the The other pitchers panned out, and . WEEKLY. 3 ' “Tf Mr. Gowan sees that the prospect is encourag- ing, I think he will come into the deal with me.” “Good! He won’t regret it. There’s money in ‘it, as sure as you're a living man. If we don’t last more than three weeks, we can make money while we do last, providing, of course, that you’re able to keep your part of the agreement and get a game in Hoboken with one of the three big league teams we’ve men- tioned, either New York team or the Boston champs. Why, we can pack ’em into the field over at Hoboken like sardines in a, box!” “IT know I can make good what I’ve promised.” “Tell us what players you can gather up, Mr. Hur- ley,’ urged Gowan. “I’m rather skeptical in regard to the strength of the team.” “Don't you be skeptical for a moment. Listen. I have O’Neill for the principal pitcher, with Boliver Bimm for change pitcher and the outfield. The Athletics let Bimm go because their sore-armed men came round all right and their list of pitchers was com- plete. Bimm can hit at a three-hundred clip, and they were dopey over in Quakertown when they let him slide. I can get Bill Brackett, who came so near mak- ing the Brooklyn team. He’s a good utility man, as well as a fair pitcher. We can keep him on the bench and use him in the box against ordinary teams. He can pitch three games a week right along—four, if necessary. How is that for a pitching staff?” “Huah!” grunted Gowan, in his usual noncommittal manner. “Go on.. Who’s behind the plate ?” “Cy Swatt.” “Why, I thought he had signed with Chicago.” “Fe’s been cast adrift on the cold world.” “T don’t understand why!” “Nobody else. I’ve got him on the string. We can land him, and he'll make ’em go some. He’s one of the handsomest throwers to bases I ever saw. I played with him out on the Coast two years ago.” . exclaimed McGann. “Ce on,” interest, reid Be on first.’’ “And that corner of the diamond will be well coy- ered,” nodded McGann. “Thank you,” said Hurley, quietly. “We'll have Jack Roden at second. The Yankees gave hima show. in one game. He accepted seven chances without an error and made a three-bagger out of three times at _ bat. He drew a pass once and was hit by a pitched ball _ once. He stole two bases. But there wasn’t room for him on the team, and he never got another show,” _ wheezed Gowan, showing some signs of i 4 i i 7 iF ‘ y 39 , ¥ Fs j % , 4 TIP “Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it, Gowan_” asked McGann. “ey Uh-huh,” grunted Gowan. “For third,” continued Hurley, “I can land Hoke Marcey, who threw his arm out in practice while the His arm is back in shape again, but that accident lost him a chance to make the team.”’ Giants were on their Southern trip. “Marcey’s my own particular pet,” wheezed Gowan. “I recommended him to McGraw. Mugsey didn’t treat him right.”’ “He'll be with us if we start right away,” declared Hurley. “In the outfield, besides Bimm, we’ll have Cal Grimley, of Detroit, for left, and Tip Creel, who’s been benching it with the Washington Americans, for center. Now, gentlemen, if that aggregation can’t play ball I don’t know a thing about the game. I believe I can make a bunch of hustlers out of them. Give me a week of playing with independent teams, and I’ll be ready to tackle anything in the two big leagues. I'll show you some chaps who will work for every game as if their lives depended on the result. I'll get them working together in a week.” ‘, “Do you know for sure that you can land every nan you have named?” wheezingly inquired Gowan. “Well, I have the promise of almost every one of them. If we get the backing now, I'll have them to- gether and practicing so soon it will make you gasp.” “You haven’t named your shortstop,” reminded, Mc- Gann. “Haven't settled on the man for the position. Can get any one of three. Don’t worry about that.” “What do you say, Gowan?” asked McGann. “Are you ready to go in with me to back this, téam on the terms stated ?” “Yes,” answered the stout man, “I’m with you.” eee oe x * * * * Shortly after this the baseball world was given a sensation. McGann and Gowan’s “Outcasts” made their first appearance in Ridgewood, N. J., easily de- feating the locais. The next day they played in Ho- boken and secured another easy victory. .Their first Sunday game was with the Jersey City tearm of the Eastern League, and the score was eight to five in their favor. Then followed five games with the strongest independent teams in the East, and five more “scalps” were garnered to their glory. On the second Sunday they played the Giants of New York in Hoboken be- fore a mob of people that simply overran the grounds. The score was three to one in favor of the Outcasts, TOP WEEKLY. and their reputation was made. with the New York Yankees and the Boston champs, but the managers of these two teams seemed attacked with a sudden severe case of “cold feet.” Although they had given McGann reasons to believe they would play his team, this happened before the.Outcasts were organized and had made such a bewildering record. After this happened they couldn’t seem to find any Manager McGann challenged any and all They sought games open dates. teams in both the big leagues, the winners to take the entire gate receipts after expenses were deducted. The Outcasts had arrived. CRAPTER -11: THE FALL, OF THE. GIANTS. On a fine Saturday afternoon late in June the won- derful Outcasts met the redoubtable colored’ baseball team known as the Cuban Giants. The game was played in Newark. The baseball cranks of Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City and New York were interested in the game, and a great crowd turned out to wit- ness it. The colored boys knew they were up against the “real thing,” and they played like fiends from the start, hoping to be the first to break the winning streak of the new stars. The Giants had a great team, every man of them being a rattling good ball player, and they started off like winners, getting two runsin the first inning, one in the third, and shutting out their A : Sane \ opponents for five straight innings from the start. Bill Brackett had opened the game as twirler for — the Outcasts, but in the midst of the third inning, after the colored players had made their third run, with the bases filled and only one man out, Bill was sent to the stable and Mat O’Neill took his place on the slab. O'Neill promptly stopped the run getting of the Giants by striking out the first batter to face him and causing the next one to put up an easy infield fly. “Should have put him in before, McGann,” wheezed Bob Gowan, who was sitting on the bleachers back of first base, in company with Melvin McGann and sev- eral acquaintances. ; | “Oh, it’s all right,” assured the manager of the Out- casts. “Hurley knows. his business. I let him run the team on the field. We'll fall on that coon pitcher pretty soon and hammer him all over the lot.” “T don’t know about that. He’s a corker, These colored gents may change your luck.” “That’s right,” put in Mike Grafter, a Tammany ee ne neem pei a a gad Nn ens a aaa lint tb op tin gy Sai is busted, Gowan. dein in. % t Ie ty — .snhie ecanedacemeniatennastng iat ii ia tia tia iad etetsncneneialifltn ete ining mney j ira ect aati n! ne te aati oo League. great bean-eating champs. a thing to ’em!”’ oe against you to-day. TIP TOP politician and acquaintance of Gowan. “Your streak The dinks done it.” Bob Gowan’s confidence in his team was colossal. There was now no wavering uncertainty about him. “Bet you a hundred we win this game, Grafter,” promptly wheezed, producing his money. “Go you,” said the Tammany man, diving into his pocket. A stakeholder was agreed placed in his hands. “Just becatise you happened to beat the New York Nationals you seem to think you can’t be downed,” grunted Grafter. = “I know something about baseball, Mike,” retorted - Gowan, with unusual animation. “I know we have the team to beat anything in the country.” “That’s right,” nodded McGann. “Every year the he upon, and the money 3) big leagues throw over enough clever youngsters to “make another league. Out of the discards a champion team can be selected by any man who knows his busi- ness. I give Hugh Hurley the credit of knowing his business. He knows a,baseball player by instinct. He picked up this team. If we were in either of the big leagues we would be pennant winners. Look how our boys work together. They are like the individual parts of a perfect machine. Every man seems to have brains, and brains count in this game. We didn’t get all the good men discarded. We tried for Josslyn, the young wizard twirler that Collins of the Bostons was chump enough to hand over to Providence. If we’d landed him, we’d had two of the greatest youngsters in the business. You know what Josslyn has been doing. He shut out Newark six to nothing in the first game he pitched for Providence, and he’s been making bat- ters blink and fan ever since. Still Collins is called one of the shrewdest managers in the American They all make mistakes of this sort. hung onto a certain old-stager on account of his repu- tation, when Josslyn could pitch right round the old boy any day in the week. I’d like to get against the Oh, say! we wouldn’ do Grafter. grinned. “You have a bad case of it,” he said. “Better have your head clamped before it gets any bigger.” “Results count,” retorted McGann. “This will make our fifteenth victory, without a defeat.” “You seem to be one of those chaps who count - chickens before they are hatched. Everything is You’ve made one clean hit off _ the coon pitcher.” He WEEKLY. 5 “We'll-find him before we’re through. watch.” In the sixth inning the Outcasts resorted to a new trick. The first batter bunted and beat the ball to first. The next man bunted toward third, laying down a “dead one’ just inside the line. In the confusion that followed the batter reached first in safety. Bob Gowan gave a bronchial laugh. “Now you see how they do it!” he exclaimed. “T don’t see that they’ve done anything yet,” Grafter. When the next batter tried to bunt and popped up a little fly that was taken by the third baseman on the run and shot across to first for a double play, Grafter held onto his sides and roared. “No use,” he said. “The coons have you. can't get away from them to-day.” Gowan looked somewhat disappointed, yet pretended to be not a whit less confident in regard to the result. The next batter electrified everyone by lacing the ball to deep center for three bags and bringing in a run. “T knew it!’ wheezed Gowan. come.” “That’s one run more this inning.” Just keep said You “It was bound to ,’ grinned Grafter. “You'll get no “We have a man on third.” “Can’t help it. Two out.” Grafter was right. The clever colored twirler caused the next batter to fan. The Giants whooped joyously as they capered in to the bench. In the seventh inning, however, the Outcasts fell on the pitcher and hammered out five handsome singles, which gave them two runs and tied the score. In the first of the eighth the Giants made.a des- perate bid for a run, succeeding in pushing a man round to third, but he died there, O’ Neill showing what he could do in a pinch and striking out two of the heaviest and surest batters who faced him. The last of the eighth delighted the admirers of the Outcasts, for they got after the colored pitcher in earnest and “sent him on an aérial voyage.” The re- sult was three more runs. “I told you, Grafter!” wheezed Gowan. “I knew Why, our boys have been fool- They can’t be beaten by anything outside the big leagues, and we know they can more than hold their own with the big fellows. ‘There isn’t an independent team in the country that can take a game off this bunch.” what would happen! ing with the nigs! 6 | Lift: FOP A young, healthy-looking, smooth-faced fellow had approached just in time to hear this remark. “What ido you think about that, boy?’ asked Grai- ter. “Gentlemen, this is my son, Wallace.” “T think the gentleman is mistaken,” said Wallace Grafter, quietly. “I am confident that I know an inde- pendent baseball team that can wallop the Outcasts to a whisper.” “You have another think due you!” exclaimed Mc- Gann, warmly. “Two more,” said Gowan. “Are you in earnest, son?” inquired old Grafter. “You bet,” nodded Wallace. “T’ve been betting,’ admitted his father, with a grin “Bet Gowan a hundred his team would lose. It’s plain I’m a hundred short.” “You can make it up and some more with it, if Mr. Gowan has the nerve to back his team against an inde- pendent team I’ll name,” said the politician’s son. “T'll back the Outcasts against any independent team in the country for a hundred—or a thousand,” rasped Gowan. Grafter and his son exchanged glances; the young man nodded. “T kinder think I'll have to take you on that,” Mike Grafter, deliberately. The roaring of the spectators drowned his voice. O'Neill had just struck out the third Giant in the ninth, ending the game, the Outcasts winning by the score of six to three. “What'd you say?” asked Gowan, as the shouting subsided and the great crowd, having risen, was begin- ning to move to leave the grounds. “T said I’d take you—for a thousand,” Grafter. “Got it with you?” “Always have that much loose change.” “Same stakeholder do?” “Sure.” rt Dit tip.” “All right. Cover.” Right there, before leaving the bleachers, the bet was made, Gowan backing the Outcasts against any independent team Wallace Grafter should name. Not until the wager had been made did Bob Gowan said answered ask : “What team is this you’re betting on, Grafter ?” “IT don’t know,’ “What answered the politician. team is it, son?” , . than against a dry surface. _ ive than the double-shoot. WEEKLY. “It’s Frank Merriwell’s team,” said Wallace. “I think there will be no trouble about arranging the game on any kind of reasonable terms.” GHAP- PRR: £2 ARRANGING FOR THE GAME. On an open lot within sight of the Harlem River Frank Merriwell and Bart Hodge were practicing. Merry was working to see what he could do with the “spit ball,’ which he had found to be extremely diffi- cult to control. “You have it all right, Merry,” declared Hodge. “Great Scott! doesn’t she take a sharp shoot!” “Always feel like I’m going to lose control of the ball when I deliver it,’’ confessed Frank. “You seem to have more speed when you spit on 99 99 her. “The ball leaves the fingers with greater suppose the sharp shoot is caused by the banking of air against the wet surface. You know air will bank heavier against the wet surface of a moving object About all the spit ball I’ve speed. I pitchers have one way that they deliver the ball Watch this.” Merry swung his arm in a peculiar manner and the ball was delivered with his hand high in the air. It been trying various ways. sped downward toward the outside corner of the stone which served as a plate. Suddenly it took a queer up- ward swerve. Hodge grabbed at it and was nearly upset. “What the dickens———” he cried, and stopped. Merry was laughing. “Do that again,” urged Bart, returning the ball. Frank complied. “That beats!” gasped Bart. ‘Why, the ball seems to come down from your hand on a straight line toward the outside of the plate. Four or five feet before it. reaches the plate it swerves upward with a combined It’s - rise and incurve, passing over the inside corner. {?? marvelous! “it’s something like an out-drop reversed—turned. bottom up,” said Frank. “That’s just what it is; but I can’t see how you make it rise so much. Merry, can you control that?” I’ve found out how to throw it. 5 er “I don’t know. presume control will come with practice.” “If you ‘can control it, I’lf guarantee you can sire cA It will be even more effect- | _ lt you | the best of ’em out with it. It’s marvelous! | cn Rn tne i titty ae te pene agpemnans ee anceps PN aS St il ainsi tte jeeeee lg a FF fC A ae NONI at indent csr — inthe re: nett i. ences eS ; 1 tes $s Sal a Se tli ap teen Ne a aa _. have the real thing. little something about you and your team.” -Grafter, ' Tie LOOP could start it toward the inside corner and give it the other sweep it would be magic.” “Let me see,” said Merry, taking the ball in his hand and studying over it. ‘How could that be done?” He tried several times, being rather wild, but Peay Bart gave a shout. “That’s it! You did it then!” “It seemed to be it,” nodded Frank. can repeat that?” He kept at it until he did repeat it, not only once, but a number of times. “Wonder if I “Talk about sorcery!’ cried Bart. are a sorcerer with a baseball!’ “I think I shall keep after that until I can handle it,’ said Merry. “TI’d like to see what batters could do with it. I'll try it in the next game we play.” “Who are these men coming this way?” said Hodge, scrutinizing two persons who were approaching across the lot. “T believe I know one of them.” “One looks natural to me.” “We met him at the Eagle Heights Club, up on the Hudson. It’s Wallace Grafter.” “Sure enough!” “Certainly you Grafter it was, and he was accompanied by Melvin McGann. “How do you do, Mr. Merriwell!” cried Grafter, cheerfully. “How are you, Mr. Hodge. We've had some trouble finding you.” ‘He shook hands heartily with them, and then said: “Let me introduce Mr. McGann, manager of the Outcasts, a baseball team you may have heard about.” “I should say we had heard about it!” exclaimed Frank. “Everyone who takes the least interest in baseball must have heard of it by this ‘time. So you are the manager of the Outcasts, Mr. McGann? Well, _ I congratulate you, for you cer tainly have a great I know good judges who declare your team is . . faster than anything i in either of the two big leagues.” team. “You are correct in pronouncing men of that opin- ion to be good judges,” said McGann. “We think we But, by the way, I have heard a “Which has interested him somewhat,” laughed “He’s after you, Merriwell. He’s out for all the scalps he can gather.” , > is he? “After us, I suppose he is looking for a game with our team?” “That’s just it,” nodded McGann. “We have an - idea that you will be fruit for us, although we hope. _retor ted Merry. WEEKLY. - youll be strong enough to make the game fairly inter- esting, in case you are not afraid to play us.” Hodge muttered something under his breath. It always irritated Bart to have anyone insinuate that the Merries were afraid of anything on the diamond. “It’s a fine thing to have a good opinion of your- self,” smiled Frank. ‘Evidently you are not troubled by modesty, Mr. McGann. Considering what your team has done, I don’t know that I blame you.” “Will you give us a game?” “We'll be delighted.” “You bet!” put in Hodge. “Of course,” said McGann, shrewdly, “we'll give you a fair deal. We'll furnish the grounds, pay all- expenses of advertising and pay you a hundred dollars for a game next Saturday afternoon. We can play in Hoboken if I engage the grounds to-night.” “Such generosity is altogether surprising!’ said Frank, with bland sarcasm. “Aren’t you afraid you can’t afford it?” “I thought that would be satisfactory,” said Mc- Gann. “I understand you chaps are playing for sport. Have you any salaried men on your team?” “No.” “Well, you see rs “We might play you for nothing!” interrupted Frank. “In Hoboken, too. There will be eight or ten thousand people out to the game, if the weather is good. Eight thousand paid admissions will mean two thousand dollars in gate money, if only twenty-five cents is charged. Mr. McGann, I am overwhelmed by your generous offer of one Hundred dollars!” “Oh, but you know expenses will be heavy. We must pay a round sum for the grounds, to say nothing of advertising and other expenses. Besides that, our players are high-priced men—all under salary. It costs like fire to run the sort of team we have.” “T’ve heard that you started out with every player under an agreement that your men should not be paid. unless you made money. You took small chances at the outset. You have made money hand over hand. It’s been a great thing for you. I don’t wonder, if you pay the teams with which you play as liberally as you have offered to pay us!” Frank’s sarcasm was biting now, and MeGann squirmed under it somewhat. “We The people will turn out to see “Well, what'do you want?” he asked, sharply. have the reputation. us play.” . “Oh, I think our team has some drawing power,” “We haven't failed to get out fairly TEP TOP good crowds wherever we have appeared. No, Mr. McGann, we'll not play you in Hoboken on the terms you have offered,” “You can say what you want, can’t you?” eS," “Well ?” “We want all we can get. game, we're not suckers.” “I didn’t take you for suckers, Merriwell,” said McGann. ‘You misunderstood me.” “T hope I did.” Bart was smiling in a grimly-satisfied manner. “What is your idea of what is right in the way of terms?” asked the manager of the Outcasts. “Will two hundred dollars satisfy you?” “Hardly !” “Then what?’ “Not less than fifty per cent. of the net receipts.” “Oh, that’s no square deal! Why, we furnish the grounds and do the advertising.” “T said the net receipts. Expenses to be taken out before the money is divided.” “We couldn’t think of it,” said McGann, decisively. “We have the reputation to draw the people. I'll make all the arrangements. We'll pay you fifteen per cent.” “JT don’t think we'll play,” said Frank. “You'll have to look after other marks.” He seemed to consider the matter settled. “We're anxious to play. with you,” protested Mc- Gann. “You seem to be!” laughed Frank. “We really are. You're the fellows we want to beat next Saturday. Some people actually seem to think you can make us work hard for the game,” _ “If you play us, you won’t do any loafing,” cut in Hodge. “That is, if you keep in the game for a min- ute.” “Fifty per cent. is unreasonable,” said the manager of the Outcasts. “I'll tell you what we will do. We'll 99 . Although we enjoy the give you twenty of the net “No go,” said Frank. “Two-thirds to the winners, one-third to the losers. How does that strike you?” McGann objected. He admitted that he felt as if the Merries would be getting too much if they received one-third of the net receipts. “Oh, but we'd get two-thirds under that arrange- ment,” declared Hodge. ' / | “Would you?” sneered McGann. “Then what do you say if the winners take all the money °?” “That suits me very well,’ said Frank, promptly. The manager of the Outcasts gasped. Of a sudden, WEEKLY: he fancied he saw how he could get out of it without paying Merriwell a dollar. . “Are you in earnest?” he asked. “Certainly.” “You'll sign an agreement to play on those terms?” “Yes, sir.” “Itis a go!” cried McGann. “Let’s make out the agreement and sign it right here. I’m afraid you'll change your mind.” . ; “Don’t worry in the least,” said Frank. “Go ahead and write the agreement.” 3 The manager of the Outcasts brought forth a large notebook. On one of the pages he wrote in the briefest manner possible the agreement, to which he signed his name. Frank read it over and promptly added his signature. Then Grafter and Hodge signed as wit- nesses, and the affair was settled. CHAPTER -V. THE APPEARANCE OF THE THUGS. Grafter was relieved, and he betrayed it. “T was afraid you two would blow up over it,” he confessed. “I want to see the game pulled off. I be- lieve it’s going to be the hottest kind of a tussle.” “Then there is another reason,” said McGann. “But I fancy your old man would be far better off if no game took place.” | Then it came out that, at the advice of Wallace, old man Grafter had bet that the Merriwells could defeat the Outcasts. He had done this without knowing what team he was backing, which demonstrated his im- plicit confidence in the judgment of his son. “That’s how I happened to bring Mr. McGann to you,” laughed Grafter the younger. “Now I hope you can show the old man that my confidence in you was — not misplaced.” Frank knew it would be useless to express his views in regard to gambling. Wallace Grafter,.the son of a Tammany politician, had been brought up in the full knowledge of his father’s ways, and to him gambling © was something forbidden by cranks who knew nothing of the real pleasure in venturing and winning on a ‘ contest of skill or a game of chance. It is remarkable how some men close their eyes to the bad results of gambling. They have tasted the pleasurable excitement of it, and they regard it, if ees not as a means of revenue, as a pastime in which the strong-minded may indulge without harm to anyone. But gambling has ruined more men than drink. It is a vice that may be practiced secretly, and, unfortu- Rl Hig onal whet Batanga: eet ge ae a : 4 2 > ts: sone bs an tl Son li ape tnt ip eran. cast haietad itt site tga a fects ead ats ag! i enllintifsad tata eel OD ah en a oe fe ie = ee Ria eu Oo m— 1S Pacelli s..tiatifisa2- RE Seg ot = . " ee a pass the in ge nish eat cil Pi i ag nenanaaesso iis Sli 0 5 Bt will. _ defeat us,” he said. nately, it seldom leaves its branding marks on the boy or young man who becomes its victim. When a man hard his features tell on him, even though he is clever enough to refrain from getting begins to drink drunk. His changed face warns his employer, who may take precautions in regard to the victim of drink. But there are no telltale signals hung out on the face the races, the pool His employer is unwarned until the crash. comes and the or blows out his brains, of the young gambler who follows rooms or occasionally plunges heavily in stocks. young man flees, a defaulter, disgraced and dishonored. Are there not men who gamble mildly, without harm to anyone? No! The man who does a wrong thing sets an example before others. Even if he has such perfect control of himself that he may never indulge to excess, his ex- ample may lead some weaker soul into the crooked path that leads through fields of pleasure and pain to the gate of Purgatory. , Frank Merriwell was one who believed that a man should be judged not alone by the company he kept, but by the example he set. He believed that some of the world’s best and greatest men had associated with ° the meek and lowly, but had exalted and up lifted others by their examplary behavior. He who. keeps constantly in mind the desire to set a good example before others, cannot very well go wrong himself. “Tt’s pleasant to know some one has such confidence in our team,’”’ nodded Merry; “but, of course, you are aware that we'll be doing something remarkable if we break the winning streak of the great Outcasts.” “I know; still I think you'll break it. It can’t keep up.” McGann laughed. “We wouldn’t think of letting Merriwell’ s team “We shall take extra precautions. Every man will be in the best condition possible, Mat -. O'Neill will pitch, and we'll try to shut the mighty Merriwell bunch out.” “You'll succeed!’ exclaimed Bart Hodge; “I don't -— think!” “You may think,” chuckled McGann. “Wait until after the game. Why, you don’t know what you are s Pacis up against.” “By the way, Merriwell,” said Grafter, placing a ; hand ‘on Frank’s arm, “have you seen anything of Hobe Manton lately ?” TIP “TOP Some one WEEKLY. 9 “TI haven’t seen him since the day of the meet at Eagle Heights.”’ “I have. Ran across him yesterday He stopped to speak by accident. although I fancy he dislikes me now almost as much as he does He’s chap, and you want to keep your eyes open for him.” with me, you. a dangerous “Why, I fancied he was pretty well cooled down.” “Not at all; he’s pretty well warmed up. He hasn’t forgotten that he, the great ‘gentleman pugilist,’ was soundly thrashed by you out behind the cedars at Eagle Heights.” “He forced the fight with me.” “Of course; but that makes no difference.” “T didn’t care to fight with him. the club. He was a club member. insult me. At last, after.the bowling match and the go at golf, he grappled me round the body from be- hind, mockingly informing me that he had me foul I was a guest at He continued to and I could not do a thing. He meant to show me up. I was wearied with his persistence, and I decided to teach him a lesson, so I gave him the koshi kuruna, as they call it in Japan, flinging him over my head and flat onto his back. When he got up he forced me to fight, intending to beat me up. I gave him what he tried to give me.”’ “And he retired from view for several days, per- v > mitting his face to heal up somewhat,” laughed Graf- ter. “Unfortunately I missed that scrap. He was determined to be bales on you, though.” “He seemed to be, for he paid.a sneaking chap to tamper with my pole, which broke beneath me in the pole-vaulting contest of the meet. I fell eleven feet, but was not injured. When the pole was examined and found injured, Bert Fuller, the president of your club, made a rigid investigation, and the truth came out. Manton was expelled from the club, as he one have been.” “And that is why he is determined to get even with you some time. He stopped me yesterday to tell me that he was going to square up the score. He said he. had been keeping track of your movements, and he meant to catch you alone and off your guard. You want to be careful, Merriwell. There is no telling what he may try to do.” “Oh, I think he’s not nearly as dangerous as he would have people believe.” “T don’t know about it. He felt most keenly the disgrace of being kicked out of Eagle Heights.” “He brought it on himself.” hee Te “THe thinks you were the cause of it all. He doesn’t blame himself. At least, he doesn’t seem to.” “Wel, I’m much obliged for your warning, Grafter. T’ll keep my eyes peeled.” Grafter and McGann now took their departure, bid- ding Frank and Bart good-day. The manager had secured Merriwell’s address, so that he might communi- cate with him if he should desire to do so before Satur- day. “Well, Bart;” said Merry, as the manager of the Outcasts and the shot putter of the Eagle Heights A. A. were disappearing frdm the lot, “how do you like the prospect ?” “Tt’s great!” answered Bart. “Merry, if it is in us, we must defeat those chaps, I’d rather beat them than any team we have met this season.” “It would give us more glory.” “Glory is not all. I can tell by the way McGann talked that they believe themselves the only ones on earth. He fancies he has a snap in the arrangement that the winning team shall take all the gate money. He’s chuckling in his sleeves over the fact that’ you refused his offer and then stepped into a trap by which we'll get nothing at all. His*manner made me sore. I’d rather take that game than any ten common games.” : “We'll go after it hard, Bart. If I can get the new curve down pat before that game, I may be able 1 to bother some of the batters with it.” “Some of them! I'll bet you'll bother every one of them.” “Let’s try it some more.” They resumed practice, and both saw that Merry ‘made progress in handling and controlling the new curve. Bart also advanced in the way of receiving it, for he grew accustomed to the sharp upward shoot of what seemed to be a falling ball. Finally they stopped and picked up their clothing, which lay on a pile of lumber near by. : Frank had begun to adjust his collar when Bart said, “Look here, Merry—look mee fellows ?” “Who are these Behind the cover of the biceta pile nine young men had approached. As soon as they realized that they were seen by Bart, they started on the run for the two youths. A te SAM SEIT hands some of them carried heavy clubs. They had the manner of thugs, _. Merry took a look at them. WEEKLY. “Great Cesar!’ he exclaimed, not wholly without “Tt’s Hobart Manton and a bunch of toughs! They’re after us, Bart, and we're in for trouble!” dismay. CHAPTER VI. PMN GOR Oe PLA Ns Both Frank and Bart thought of taking flight. It seemed folly to stop there and face nine ruffians who were armed with clubs. Bart caught up his coat and vest and started. As he ran something fell from his vest. “Dropped my watch!” turning back for it. It was a valuable watch in a certain way, being a present from his mother. He thought a great deal of it. Instantly Frank stopped and turned back. They did not find the watch at once. Just as Bart picked it up the thugs came rushing round both sides of the lumber pile and were upon them. “Yah!” snarled the leader, who was very well dressed, yet who had a face that seemed flushed with drink. “We have ye! Don’t try to run!” It was Hobart Manton himself, the rascal who had been expelled in disgrace from Eagle Heights. “Manton!’’ muttered Merry. “Yes, Manton!” cried the fellow. he exclaimed, stopping and “And Frost!’ came from Bart, as he pointed at an- — other of the gang. “There’s Frost!” Frost was the pole vaulter of the Eagle Heights A. A., who had been defeated by Merriwell on the day, of the meet. “And Necker, also, third chap. Jack Necker had been defeated by Frank at the’ run- ning broad jump and the running high jump. - “Ves, we're right here!’ grated Manton, who was plainly the leader. “We've caught you just where I’ve been wanting to get you, too!” Merry surveyed the remaining six members of the gang, and he decided that they were genuine young loafers and desperadoes of Northern Harlem. He knew such fellows were ruffians of the most brutal type, ” said Mery, nodding toward a who stopped at nothing short of murder—and some-. times were not checked by that. A ; Manton saw Frank surveying the gang, a he 4 laughed harshly. “Oh, they’re scrappers, every one of them!” oe : cried. “They know-you can fight, and they’re here — _toybeat you up. You'll get all that’s coming this day!” ee Ww: Se we Ay \v we vs \v ate — oe . be it. < hand. aie Uke “What a fine, brave fellow Manton is!’ grated Hodge. “You'll get yours, too!” declared the leader of the thugs. ‘Next to Merriwell, it will give me pleasure to knock the wind out of you!” “So this is really the sort of ruffan you are!” spoke “You were called the ‘gentleman Why, you're just a / Merry, cuttingly. pugilist.’ Gentleman, indeed! common rufhan!’ “Go ahead!’ éried Manton. “The more you talk like that the more delight I shall take in beating you Pes sup. | “You proved yourself a sneak at Eagle Heights. You brought disgrace on your own head.” “Yah! I was a member in good standing until you 4-¢ came.” “And then, out of a desire to show off, you led your- self into the most disreputable business. But I’m sur- prised. to see Dent Frost and Jack Necker with you. _. I hardly looked for them to be in such company. Is it | possible that they are chaps of the same caliber?” Frost frowned, while Necker looked a trifle ill at ease. “Oh, I have something to settle with you, too!” as- serted the pole vaulter. baat nian “T ought to have!’’ exclaimed the jumper. “Well, you are fine sports, to be sure!” scornfully flung back Frank. ‘You were fairly and honorably defeated, and now you come here to beat me up for it! I understood that the Eagle Heights A. A. was _ made up of gentlemen! I don’t understand how you ever got into it.” ' “Manton is our friend,” said Frost. “That’s it!’ Necker hastily cried. “He has’ been treated in a shabby manner, and you are the cause of He is our friend.” _ “You should be proud to own him as such!” sneered Bart... “Another one for you!” growled Manton. “Come _} on, fellows.” _ “Wait a moment!’ exclaimed Frank, flinging up his “What do you think will be the end of this? _ If you don’t kill us here and now, I promise to land : * you three in prison for assault with intent to kill. I } mean you, Manton, you, Frost, and you, Necker. I _ know you. You were fools to come here with your thugs. The evidence against you will be overwhelm- | ing. You'll go to prison, every one of you!” “Bah! He's trying to frighten you, boys,” said Manton. “He thinks he can bluff us.” WEEKLY. II “T promise the remainder of the gang that I shall aake it pretty warm for them. ' I seldom forget a face I have once seen, and I’ve been looking them all over. I’ll spend a year, if necessary, in running this gang down and giving each one the full strength of the law.” . “Don’t pay any attention to him!” howled Manton. “He always makes a bluff. Fly at him?’ The thugs muttered among themselves and ad- vanced, gripping their clubs. They spread out to in- tercept Merry and Bart if the intended victims sought to run away. “Got to fight ’em, Merry!” hissed Hodge. “Got to, Bart!’ was the answer. They placed themselves back to back, in order to defend themselves as best they could. Jack Necker was hesitating. Manton appealed to him. “Come on, Jack!” he cried. “Get into it!” Necker threw down his club. “Not I!” he exclaimed. “I’ve changed my mind.” “What?” snarled Manton. - “What ails you?” “T’ve changed my mind.” “You're afraid! You're a quitter!’ “T’d rather quit than go to the jug, and Merriwell can send the whole bunch up if he tries.” Frost seemed to hesitate. Plainly he was inclined to follow the example of the jumper. “Don’t you quit, Dent!’ rasped. Manton. “You've been telling what you wanted to do to Merriwell. Don’t be a coward!” Thus urged, Frost reluctantly joined the others, and Manton gave the word for them all to prepare for a grand rush. “Make ready!” he cried. together when I give the word. Now! three—go!” “We'll jump on ’em all One, two, CHAPTER VII. LUST IN TIME. A shout of warning came from Necker. “Skip!” he yelled. ‘Here comes a bunch of cops! You'll all be pinched!” Then he took to his heels, running as if his very life depended on it. | Some of. the ruffians had leaped in to get at Merry and Bart. Others, including Manton and Frost, heard the warning words of Necker and did not charge. They cast frightened glances around, saw three police- men, with drawn clubs, followed by two other men, 12 TIP TOP coming at a run, then promptly took flight, after the manner of Necker. Manton was one of the very first to run, and he ran as if his life depended on it, while Frost followed him closely. Merry managed to leap on one of the ruffians, trip- ping him and flinging him to the ground. Hodge seized another and had a sharp fight with him; but the fellow staggered Bart with a blow of his club and broke away. When the officers came up it was seen that Wallace Grafter and Melvin McGann were with them. The ruffian Frank had held was promptly seized and subdued ' “T know him,” said one of the policemen. “It’s Hug Murphy, and he’s wanted for some flat work. He'll get a vacation.” “We saw those chaps as we were leaving the lot,” explained Grafter. “They were holding a consultation behind the board fence over yonder. I recognized Manton arld knew there was mischief brewing. Then we hustled to find some officers; but we arrived just a moment too late.” “Or a trifle too soon,” said Frank. “If they had tackled us in a bunch it’s likely your approach might not have been noticed. In that case you might have nabbed more than one. I am very grateful to you, Grafter. It’s certain enough that the thugs, armed as they were, would have hammered us up only for you.” “Don’t mention it, Merriwell, old boy!” cried Graf- ter. “Did you recognize anyone in the gang besides Man- ton?” asked Frank. “No.” “Two other chaps who are well known to you were there.” “Who ?” “Dent Frost for one.” “Impossible!” Cate ties “Why, Denton Frost is a gentleman!” “How about Jack Necker ?”’ “He's regarded as one. You don’t mean to say—— _ “He was the other one.” “Well, this affair’ shall be reported at Eagle Heights!” exclaimed Grafter, warmly. “I don’t care to associate with ruffians of that cast. If they are not asked to resign from the club, I shall hand in my resig- nation.” 3 He was in earnest and highly indignant, . rank and Bart left the lot in company with’ the . 29 WEEKLY. officers and the others. They saw nothing of the mem- bers of the gang who had taken flight. “You see my warning was one to be heeded, Merri- well,” said Grafter, as he was about to leave Frank. “Hobe Manton is vicious, and he’ll do’ everything in his power to injure you. He'll stop at nothing. Better swear out a warrant for his arrest and put the police after him.” “Tl consider it,’ said Merry. some satisfaction to settle the matter with him person- ally. I have a strong desire to show him that he re- ceived nothing but a mere taste when we had our little ight at Eagle Heights.” “I don’t blame you, Merry!” cried Hodge, earnestly. “T always like to settle such matters myself! I’d like to have a turn at him. . He thinks he’s a fighter; but I wouldn’t mind meeting him on even footing,” “Tt seems to me that your friends are fighters, Graf- ter,” said McGann. “You'll think so after the game next Saturday,” re- torted Wallace. “It would give me CHAPTER VIII. GRAFTER GROWS UNEASY. The game that was to be between Frank Merriwell’s team and the great Outcasts was thoroughly adver- tised. Much was said about it in the sporting columns of the New York papers. The sporting writers were one and all inclined to doubt the ability of the Merries to check the triumphant career of the OutcaSts. One well-known sporting writer demonstrated in his paper, to his own satisfaction, at least, that it was ut- terly impossible for Merriwell’s team to defeat the fast nine formed from the very best of the “timber” left over from the big leagues. It must not be fancied that Frank himself felt cer- tain of winning. He knew the sort of a “proposition” he and his comrades were going up against. It aroused all his sporting blood and determination. It likewise aroused the others. Hodge was the only man on the team who seemed confident of victory, but all were resolved to play for their very lives. At least, it would be no disgrace if they met defeat. They practiced faithfully, and each day Merry worked at his new curve, : “Bart,” he said, “I hope I can fool those chaps with that ball, I hear they are wonderful batters, I have been told that they have found a man who throws something like the double-shoot, and they have been practicing batting with him as pitcher. They expect - fo iti it nll ig dite € cl as speed bia ame ts mi Ik L Frank. : we'll have hard work keeping them off the field. Stretched ropes, but ropes won’t hold a crowd back if attr to fall on me shoot and hammer me to the four winds.” “You'll fool them, Merry,” nodded Hodge, posi- tively. “If they get a single hit off that curve I shall be surprised.” “You've seen what the papers are saying about our prospects. We're called fast enough to make it inter- eSting for college teams, but several degrees too weak Henshaw, of the Universe, when I hand them up the double- to hold down the Outcasts. says the chances are more than even that we'll not score if O’Neill is used against us. Anderson, of the Standard, says it would be a shame to use O'Neill and - give ts no chance; he urges Manager McGann to put in Brackett. Pulsifer, of the Evening ‘Dispatch, thinks we are going to lose the reputation we have made on our trip this season.” “And they all make me tired!” cried Bart. “We'll give them a chatice to sing another song in their Sun- day columns.” The boys took care of themselves, lived properly and sought to come up to the game in the pink of condi- tion. Frank kept his eyes open for Hobart Manton, but once more Manton seemed to have disappeared com- pletely. From Wallace Grafter he learned that charges had been preferred at the Eagle Heights A. A. against Frost and Necker, as having attempted to assault an honorary member of the club. Merriwell had been. taken into the Eagle Heights A. A. after his success at the meet in defeating two of its champions. Saturday proved to be a fine day. The boys were in’a glow of enthusiasm. When they thought of the ~ coming struggle in Hoboken they tingled all over. The game was to be called at 3 P. M. At two- thirty Frank and his team reached the grounds and_ found a river of people crowding in at the gate. Evi- dently the game would be witnessed by an immense crowd. They hurried to the dressing rooms and quickly got into their suits. When they came out onto the field they found the Outcasts practicing. The appearance of Merriwell’s team produced a stir and caused many of the spectators to applaud loudly, Melviri McGann hastened to shake hands ei He was beaming in a most satisfied manner. “Took at this mob!’ he exclaimed. “I’m afraid We've WEEKLY. 13 . gets too large. Hére is Capt. Hurley. Mr. Hurley— . Merriwell.”’ “i ‘ugh Hurley shook hands with Frank. “Glad to meet you Mr. Merriwell,” he said. “You may have the field for practice.’ Frank sent his players out at once. - Gowan and Mike Grafter were sitting together. ace Grafter j field. The Tammany man surveyed the youngsters in blue Wa on sii oined them as the Merries trotted in a doubtful manner. “Is this the teatn you told me to bet on, son?” he asked. , “Sure, dad,’ nodded Wallace. “Rather some of ’em. Look like boys.” “They are all men in years, although they do look rather boyish,” said Wallace. “Tum!” grunted Mr. Grafter, doubtfully Gowan grinned. “T’ve got ye!” he wheezed. ‘Your money is mine! The kids won’t be in the game for a minute,” immature, The Merries seemed rather nervous. In fact, they were too anxious, and they began practice by several bad fumbles and throws. Hodge was one of the of- fenders. He made a high throw to second. “Whip it down again, Bart,” said Frank, Bart obeyed, but this time his throw was too low.: Immediately Frank took the ball and threw to: sec- ond, taking pains to make the throw good, It was a case of showing exactly what he wanted done. Hodge set his teeth and resolved that every throw should be perfect after that, and they were. To some it may have appeared that Merry was showing off. Instead of that, he _was impressing Bart by force of example. } As Grafter watched the Merries practice he became more and more uneasy. “T didn’t kiss that thousand good-by,” he said; “but I think I’d better have done it. I’ll never see it again,” | ~ _ Again Gowan grinned. “Oh, don’t squeal so soon, dad!’ cried Wallace, an- noyed. “The trouble with 308 is that you have been reading the papers and you've got cold feet.” ‘The trouble with you,” gr owled the old man, “tis that youre stuck on Frank Merriwell, and you think of his bunch just as good as he is. They're ~way below him.” ti 1€. wh note: a easel hole hey're | do the pitching to-day.” 14 AAP: Or “Pitching alone can’t win a game.” “And he'll be up against Mat O’Neill,” reminded Gowan. ‘O’Neill will show him up.” “Look here!’ exclaimed Wallace. “I have a hun- dred or two on me that I'll risk. I'll wager that more hits are made off O’Neill to-day than off Merriwell.”’ ‘Put up as much as you dare,” invited Gowan. “I'll cover all you have.” The bet was made. CHAPTER TX. AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE APPEARS. MERRIES. OUTCASTS. Ready, 3d b. Creel, cf. Morgan, ss. Marcey, 3d b. Badger, If. Bimm, rf. Merriwell, p. Hurley, 1st b. Hodge, c. Swatt, c. Gamp, cf. Roden, 2d b. Grimley, If. Wiley, ss. O’Neill, p. Browning, Ist b. Starbright, rf. Rattleton, 2d b. There was some delay over beginning the game. Capt. Hurley informed Merriwell that he was waiting fot one of his players. . - Finally the crowd in front of the gate parted, sev- era! policernen making an opening for a handsome lan- dau, which was drawn by a spirited pair of white horses. The carriage swung up toward the bench of the Outcasts and came to a stop. From it sprang a small, compactly built, swarthy chap in a baseball suit. At sight of this person Merriwell and several of his companions uttered exclamations of surprise. “Do my eyes deceive me?” cried Frank. “That fel- low looks as natural as life! I must be dreaming!” The newcomer hastened across back of the home plate, his face wreathed in smiles. “Once more,” he cried, “once more I feast my op+ tics on the only and original Frank Merriwell, my oid college chump and side partner. The spectacle causes my throbbing heart to swell with emotions too turgid for utterance. Allow me to grasp your dainty digits, Frank.” “Cap'n Wiley, as I live!” laughed Frank, as he shook hands with the person who had made his ap- pearance in this spectacular manner. “Why, cap’n, I fancied you had faded from this terrestrial sphere.” “Nay, nay, Pauline! I am here—very much here, as you will find to:your sorrow before the game of to- _ day has passed into history.” _ “You are playing with the Outcasts ?” WEEKLY. “Am I? Ask me! I am their mainstay and sup- port. My fielding is about nine hundred and ninety- nine per cent. and my batting a trifle better than five hundred per cent. I was too fast for the Concord team of the New England League, and so they had to let me go. You see the other players didn’t have any chance to shine with me in the game. I played all round them. Not only did I fill my own field at shorf stop, but I often gamboled out into the extreme gar- dens and picked flies and line drives right out of the fingers of the fielders. ' I covered all the sacks from the initial corner round to the home plate, and often | backed up the catcher. The populace stood aghast at my strenuosity, and the players became jealous and pea-green with envy. These envious individuals formed a combine against me. They put their caputs together—caput is French for head—they put their caputs together and formed a combine. They decided to quit in a body unless I was released. The manager had no alternative. He pleaded with them with tears in his eyes and his fists doubled up, but they would not hearken unta reason, and so he was compelled to release me with honors, I immediately received offers from Boston, New York, Washington, Chicago and Oshkosh. But I decided to throw my fortunes in with the noble Outcasts, and here Iam. I’m sorry for you, Merry, old boy, but you haven’t a show with me in the game against you. Your double-shoot will not save you on this salubrious afternoon. You will remember that I acquired a spasm of the double-shoot myself, and I have had the boys batting against it for the past four days. Every man on the team can hit the double- shoot with his eyes shut. Just hand it up to them and regret it to the end of your tempestuous career.” “So you are the chap who has been training them to bat against me? I heard some one was doing it.” “I confess with all due humility and abnegation— abnegation is a good word, but I don't know what it means—lI confess that I am the guilty party. I had to do it. You see we haven’t been beaten thus far in our seething career, and we don’t propose to. have our | immaculate record sullied by defeat. The boys knew I could hand out the double-shoot. When they learned that the game with your team had been arranged, they led me forth like a lambkin to the slaughter and bade © me promulgate the sphere through the atmosphere after the manner in which you are wont to do. Then they took their little bats and learned to hit it. I warn you in advance that they can connect with the ball even He though you make it travel like a writhing snake through the ozone. It will grieve my tender heart to — ‘ Sef ipa Silt at set ee Ee obi ‘ nt lig la terest tem a ae ec SE atic 2 salsa tata tial lit stints statis — ttn gt me acon SE ee ee oe ee a a to-day. tae see you batted all over the lawn, Merry; but I fear ex- ceedingly that such will be your fate. What do you think of that?’ exclaimed Hodge, who had never entertained any great liking for Wiley. “He has been teaching them to bat your pet curve, Frank.” “My loyalty to my own team led me to do so,” pro- tested Wiley. “Even though I love Frank Merriwell more than a long-lost brother—more than.a drink after a drought—I am ever loyal to my own team. Don’t use the double-shoot to-day, Frank! Preserve your reputation by keeping it tucked safely up your flowing sleeve.” “The same old Wiley!” laughed Frank. “Don’t If you bat me out of the box to-day, I'll take my medicine.’ The sailor then shook hands with some of the others worry about me, cap’n. and hastened to join his comrades, Hurley calling sharply to him. As the Outcasts took the field, the sailor out to the position of shortstop. O'Neill,” he cried, waft the crooked ones over the corners, that I am behind you and fear not.” Mat O’Neill laughed. He wasa slender chap, with He glanced round to make sure the players cantered “unbend your wing, and Remember “Now, long arms. _ were in their positions and then toed the slab. Ready was in position to bat. ‘ O’Neill shot over a high in-shoot that seemed to curve round Jack’s neck. “Permit the ruddy- glimpse of it.” “Avast, there!” shouted Wiley. cheeked blossom to have a passing The umpire pronounced it a strike. exclaimed the catcher. You have your speed with you I don’t think they can see the ball,” “Thatiwas sizzling hot, Mat!” “Tt burned in the mitt. Ready had nothing to say, which was quite unusual for him. He gripped his bat and waited for the next one. It looked wide, but came in and passed over the our- side corner of the plate. “Two strikes ! hs cried the umpire. W iley did a a hornpipe. ‘ -“Tt’s a shame, O’Neill!” he eedaho “You should blush at your own perfidy. How can you do it? Don’t you see you have the poor boy ‘shaking like a sheet in the wind! Just toss him one and let him strike at it.’ “Te makes me sore!’” muttered Hodge. “T always ‘did hate the sound of his tongue.” O'Neill pitched again. ‘This time the ball looked TOP WEE KEY: altogether too high, but it dropped past Ready’s shoul- ders. Jack did not strike at it, but the umpire declared him out. promptly The wizard pitcher of the Outcasts had struck Ready out with three pitched balls, and Merriwell’s man had not tried to hit one of them. CHAPTER X. CLEVER PITCHING. “Oh, me! oh, miy!” cried Wiley. “How could you be so careless, Jack? I fear your reputation will sink into ignominy. At least, you could have shut your eyes and fanned once. You did not even agitate the atmosphere with your wand.” “You seem to be agitating it altogether too much with your tongue,” flung back Ready, as he retired dis- consolately to the bench. Morgan stepped out to take his place. “Who is this sedate youth?” inquired the sailor. “To me his classic countenance is strangely unfamiliar. I wonder if he will pass away in a trance, like his pre- decessor.”’ : Mike Grafter had turned on his son as Ready was declared out. “What do you think of that, boy?’ he demanded. “That fellow didn’t seem to know what he was stand- ing up there for.” “He did appear doped,” admitted Wallace; think this one will wake up.” He was right, for Morgan smashed the first ball de- livered. It hummed along the ground in the direction of Wiley. The sailor leaped for it and it struck his hands, bouncing out: Like Wiley pounced on the ball, caught it up and whistled it across the diamond in time to put Dade out at first. “Too easy to get it the first time,” he said. “In order to show my superb style, I had to drop it and pick it up again. Bat, them all tome. It’s the easiest way you can get out.” | Buck Badger, grim and sturdy, strode forth to the plate. “but I a cat springing on a mouse, “A gent eke the wild-and-w oolly, unless I have been incorrectly informed,” said Wiley. “Whoop! Yi, yi, ye-ee! Yow! Notice the coyote-like melody of my voice. Give him a slow one.” “About like this, eh?’ said O’ Neill, as he delivered a “dope” ball. | Badger had noted the speed of the pitcher, and he struck too soon. 16 ER Te “One strike!’ called the umpire. “Behave! behave!’ exclaimed Wiley. “Why, he really tried to hit it before it left your hand, O’Neill.” ‘“Confound that fellow!” grated Hodge. “He’s get- ting on my nerves.” “Don’t let him do that,” advised Frank. of his game. He always tries to worry the opposite side.”’ Buck had better luck with the second ball, for he sent a little Texas Leaguer over the infield and easily reached first. “What do you think of that?’ cried the sailor. “O'Neill, you’re getting careless. You make me blush for you. Note the rosy color that suffuses my dimpled cheeks.”’ As Merry picked out his bat and walked to the plate he was given a round of applause. “Ahoy there, my old college chump!’ hailed the sailor. “Waft an energetic one in this direction and permit me to demonstrate my dexterity by placing my diligent digits upon it.” Frank seemed to obey, for he smote the ball full and fair on the trade-mark and sent it sizzing through the air straight at the speaker, Wiley seemed to have no more than time to put up his hands. The ball struck them and bounded off toward second base. Roden went for it as Badger came down the line. He could not get it in time to tag the Kansan, but he made a sharp throw to first and Frank was declared out. “Score an assist for me!” cried Wiley. “I think I’ve lost a mitt, but I want to be credited with an assist. V’ll never ag’in invite him to bat the ball in my di- rection.’ “Why didn’t you dodge i ied a spectator. “T didn’t have time,” confessed the Marine Marvel. Mike Grafter had his face screwed up in a dozen hard knots. i 3 “They got one hit, but it didn’t amount to anything,” he said. “I'll wager areal the Outcasts do better than Merriwell, son?” “If I had any money left, Td go you, dad,” said Wallace. “I thought you had good sporting blood. _ You seem to have a bad case of frosty feet.” “Can you blame him?” wheezed Gowan. “Oh, they didn’t do so bad after the first man,” de- clared ‘Wallace. “The others hit the ball.” ga “Only o one of them hit it anywhere, and that was an — eon, aceaent.” _ “Tt was more of an fenide than anything else that Merriwell didn’t get a safe one. He neatly took the hands off that sattle-tongued chap at aeaHy bts & part: WEEKLY. Merriwell entered the box, and Creel, smiling and confident, walked out to bat. At the very outset, Hodge called for Frank’s new curve. “Oh, he’s going to deliver the salivered sphere!” cried Wiley, as he saw Frank moisten the ball. “Hit one of those and it will travel at the rate of a mile a second,” “Cease thy idle prattle, cap’n,”’ implored Ready, who was in position near third. “You are giving the tym- panum of my ear a sensation of ennut.”’ ; “Hey?” gasped the sailor. ‘‘What’s that? Ong wee? Is that proper pronunciation? I thought it was enn-you-eye. Ong wee! That sounds good to me. T’ll use it at the first opportunity.” Frank delivered the ball. It swept downward from his hand toward the inside of the plate, but curved and swept upward and outward, crossing the outside corner. . 9? Creel had looked for thé usual drop of the spit ball, and he struck under. “Strike one!” The batter looked surprised. had taken some kind of a queer shoot, but he did: not know just what had happened “Flit it where you missed it, Creel, old boy!” urged Wiley. “Look out for the dotble-shoot. He'll hand one up in a minute, and you will have an opportunity to demonstrate the ease’ with which we can project it to yonder fence.” | Frank aiaehed again and tried the other sweep. The ball seemed to start toward the outside of the plate. Suddenly it swept upward and inward, and again Creel missed. | “Strike two!” | Creel gasped. | Pe ae ig) “What’s that he’s throwing 7 ?” he muttered. “Oh, hit the ball!” chuckled Hodge. enough!” “T'll hit the next one!’ growled Creel. “Bet you don’t.” “T will if I Syne et tt em | “Bet you don’t.” — eS Ppt ‘ “Don’t talk to that catcher, Tip,” comand uae : ley, sharply. ‘Creel was silenced. strike, He knew the ball “+ tr “It’s easy « He set his teeth, ‘gripped his oa bat and waited. At the same time, although ready to” he more than half expected Prank would — “waste” one or two balls. | re Merry saw the fellow was ready to swing if thi ball . came over. Again he delivered it a trifle wide, but it SW dit .to m th in a ti be ~] th ac lis Be Ec nd WW rN et » ps LS Tater _ for it seemed too wide. corner, however, and the umpire, who had a good eye him out! Toasting you! I’ve got some money on this game, and | I want to see a square deal! Ga Sehut up!” 4 - “Choke off!” swept in and upward, being caught by Hodge almost directly behind the batter’s shoulder. In fact, it seemed .to pass under Creel’s arm as the latter swung at it. “You're out!” announced the umpire. aa.” CHAPTER XI, ONE RUN. “T’d like to know what sort of a curve he used on me!” muttered Tip Creel, as he reseated himself on the bench. “It had a mighty queer twist.” Hurley was watching closely. “It wasn’t the double-shoot Wiley has been teach- ing us to hit,” ee at owas,” he said. said Creel, ‘‘Merriwell throws it en- : tirely different from Wiley.” “Look here, cap’n,” demanded Swatt, “have you been deceiving us?” “Not on your autograph!’ answered the sailor. “He has not yet promulgated the double-shoot through the sunny atmosphere. Perchance I made a mistake in admitting to him that we intended to bat it with ex- treme vigor the moment he passed it out to us. But linger yet a while and I prophesy that he will hand it 1)? forth.” Marcey did not shies to hit the first ball pitched, It swept in over the outside and knew his business, declared it a strike. Marcey flung down his bat, sprang onto the plate and glared at the umpire. “What's that?” he snarled. “Rotten! rotten!” howled a man on the bleachers, _ who sat in such a position that he could not tell to save “Put He’s his life whether the ball came over the plate. Get a new umpire! Put him out! !? “Sit down!” | “Keep still !’” “Go die!” - These and various other cries came from the crowd, cee most of whom knew the umpire. The lot of an umpire in Hoboken is seldom a happy - one, unless he happens to be John L. Sullivan, Jeffries, Corbett or some other pugilist. _ noisy, and they do not hesitate to express their opinion of an umpire who renders a bad decision or seems in- _ competent. Hoboken crowds are At the same time, if satisfied with the TIP TOP WEEKLY, 17 work of an umpire, they will unmercifully roast a kicker. . The umpire ordered Marcey back into position. The batter grouchily picked up his bat and prepared to strike, muttering sullenly all the while. Frank proceeded to whistle over a high one that was declared a ball. Then he used a “dope,” at which Marcey struck too soon. “He’s no fool of a pitcher,” muttered the captain of the Outcasts. “I’m afraid he’s going to be a hard man to hit safely.” This opinion he did not express to the others. In- stead of that, he told.that they should be able to hit Merriwell with ease. Marcey was finally fooled with Merry’s new curve, striking out. “Come on, Bimm!”’ urged Hurley. “Put us into the game. Don’t try to knock the cover off the ball. That pitcher is easy enough if you don’t swing your head off trying to hit.” Bimm was one of the best batters on the team, even though he was a change pitcher. He stepped out fully determined to show the crowd that it was not such a difficult thing to hit Merriwell safely. “I'd give something to get a two-bagger or better,” he thought. Still he did not try for a long hit. Instead of that, he shortened his hold on his bat and swung to meet the ball squarely, if he could. He fouled the first one. ; “Feeling of him, ‘Bimm, my boy!” cried Wiley. “You'll find him soft and easy. Swat her to the so’ west corner of the inclosure and steer your course around the diamond.” Bimm did his best, but, like the two before him, he fell a victim of Merriwell’s skill and struck out. Hurley looked round for McGann as he started for the field. He was beginning to think that: Merriwell would prove a hard nut to crack. On the bleachers Wallace Grafter was smiling with satisfaction and his father was feeling decidedly better. “What do you think about if now, dad?” asked the young man. | “Can he keep that up, son?” asked the politician. “Of course he can’t!” wheezed Gowan. “Those men of ours are great batters, and they'll fall on him hard before long. When they do, you'll see him go up in the air.” 7 “How about that, son?” inquired Grafter. “Don’t you worry, dad,” advised Wallace. “I didn’t urge you to bet on the Merries without knowing what . 18 Pies POY I was doing. I’ve found out all about Frank Merri- well. Mat O’Neill is a rattling good pitcher, but he’s met his match in Merriwell.” Bob Gowan laughed, holding onto his fat sides. “All boys are alike,” said, “and your son is no more than a boy, Grafter. He has lots to learn.” “All boys are not fools,” retorted Wallace. “T _ fancy that before the game is over to-day you'll confess that you have learned something.” he Wallace was just a trifle disrespectful in his lan- guage. He was the young city man of the day, up-to- date, breezy and assertive. Mat O’Neill realized that Merriwell had made the best record in the first inning, yet he was confident ‘that the youth could not keep it up. O'Neill had picked up his baseball in the rough-and-ready school of the independent and minor league teams, and he thought little of college pitchers, as a rule. Merriwell he considered in the class of the best college pitchers. Of course he was forced to admit that some college twirlers panned out well, for he knew what Clarkson, Matthewson and others had done; but he thought them exceptions, and he believed Merriwell would be playing in one of the big leagues if he was fast enough. Still O’Neill’s pride had been touched, and he felt a desire to demonstrate that he, too, could strike out three men in succession, if he desired. This desire led him to begin the second inning with the determination to do his handsomest. Bart Hodge was the first man to face him. had a grim face and business-like air. O’Neill handed him a high in-shoot. Bart struck and missed. “That’s the woods!’ cried Wiley. for him. He never finds ’em.” Hodge “Whisker cutters Following this two balls were called. Then O’Neill caught Bart on a drop. Hodge seemed anxious, so the pitcher tried to pull him on a wide outcurve. Bart let it pass. | s “Three balls!’ declared the umpire. “Oh, you vill haf to got der plate ofer der pall, Misder Bitcher!’’ cried ae Dunnerwurst from the bench. ‘O’Neill decided on a fast rise past the batter’s shoul- ders, and his control was perfect. Nevertheless Bart. met the ball oe giving it a fearful crack. O'Neill mtittered an exclamation of stincresty Out on a line went the ball. WEEKLY, Wiley made a wild leap into the air, but he could not reach-it by two feet, at least. “That’s the high sign!” cried the sailor. was too short. “My arm I'll have to use my patent arm-stretch- ing attachment to get those.” “The fielders will have to use their leg-stretching at- tachment to get them,” !?? ran down to the coaching line. “Take second, Bart! Hodge obeyed, easily reaching second base before the ball could be fielded into the diamond. “Now, Gamp—now!” urged Morgan, “It’s just as easy. O’Neill will have his troubles to-day.” “T pelief you vos correctness, Dady!” cried Dunner- wurst, as he joined Morgan. “His troubles vill haf him to-day. Mofe dot pag avay from, Partley! Got a goot sdart und make a roppery. You vos der pest ropper in der punch, Id peen easiness vor a pase to steal you.” “These boys seem to bat some, Mr. served Wallace Grafter. ‘em on O’Neill they will put him to the stable.” “One hit in doesn’t count,” gurgled Gowan. “I’ve noticed that O’ Neill knows how to scat- ter the hits.” i Son, baseball, you know a thing or two. I’m satisfied now that I have a chance for my money, and so I won't kick if I lose it.” “All right, dad,” smiled Wallace. we'll both win our bets.” Joe Gamp, long, gangling and awkward, stood up to the plate. “Get back a little!” sharply commanded O’N eill, “What fuf-fuf-for?” innocently inquired Joe. “I'll show you what for!” grated O’Neill, as he sent a ball over with burning speed, keeping it so close that it barely missed the tall chap. “Let him hit you,” cried Wiley. ‘You'll never know it, and your funeral will occur to-morrow.” Gamp seemed alarmed, for he stood off from the plate; but as O’Neill delivered the next ball, he stepped up. Gowan,’* ob- an inning “Tm thinking Just as Joe had expected, the ball was over the Opts side corner. Gamp hit it, having stepped near enough to reach a it with ease, O'Neill had tried to fool him, but, instead of that, he had fooled O'Neill. The hit was a safe one to right field. Hodge went flying over third, being sent home by _ both Morgan and Dunnerwurst. a ena laughed Dade Morgan, as he “Tf they ever get to bunching — said old man Grafter, “‘when it comes to ’ ibis 7 ciipaiecteeiied a tebatN ais et “Get hithe: Bit _ the k Hods Sv — accol Hod, 3 catcl thro ns Jc 'R han © =i _ you G ce _ ashi ther isn le could iy arm stretch- ing at- , as he Bart?’ before just as anner- ll haf Got a r pest ise to 3 ‘ - ob- ching reled scat- ‘s to 1OW ron’t a 4 n't go neti’n’ ment der game is over, crowd,” “I shan’t try. I may want you some other time, ce. } and I’m willing to do the right thing.” gent | ‘Dat soun’s good, but I t’ink ye’re willin’ ‘cause ye d der can't help it. I’m onter your curves,” ee “Think anything you like, but slide out of this.” gilist. | Repeating his promise to see Manton after the game, Cassidy moved. youse Manton, Frost and Necker breathed easier. hard “He’s a dangerous ruffian,” hissed Frost. “You can’t tamper with him, Hobe.” Cas- _ “Pll tamper with him!” growled Manton. “If I suc- § wasn’t worrying about being spotted by Merriwell, thus Ud give him all that was coming, and don’t you for- get it!” low “Are you going to pay him any money after the game?” “Not on your life! Not a dollar to that thug! rere. When the game is over and the crowd begins to move : Pll take chances. If he bothers me, I’ll give him a ‘ink. sleeping slug on the jaw.” nely =] . CHAPTER XIII. him ON AN ERROR. ert Frost and Necker were disturbed when the Merries iia secured their run in the second inning. * dy, : “What do you think of that, Hobe?” asked Frost. |. “It begins to look bad to me.” _ nie ). ( “Oh, don’t worry!” returned Manton, although he was a trifle disturbed himself. “‘This is just the begin- ) Ning of the game. Merriwell can’t keep up the pace he | has set. Those fellows will get onto his style of pitch- _ ing after a while, and then you'll see something happen | tohim. Those chaps behind him would go to pieces if the Outcasts began hitting.” “T hope they’ll begin,” said Necker, a trifle dole- fully; “but I’m afraid they won’t.”’ He eee “Merriwell’s men must be good batters,” said Frost. a ay They’ve made three handsome hits off O’Neill. No- "| body seemed to think they could do much with him.” |)» “O'Neill hasn’t settled down,” declared Manton, _ “After he does he’ll keep them from hitting.” pits: RS “Here goes Merriwell into the box for the second , : time,” said Necker. “Now watch. I hope they find roe any im,” | aa Capt. Hurley was the first batter to face Frank in V5.2 the second inning. He was resolved to set an example it for his men to follow. Being a new Hitter, he felt con- WEEKLY. 2t Frank knew Hurley’s reputation, and he took chances. no The first ball pitched was the new curve, and it swept over the inside corner of the plate. Hurley fouled it lightly, but the ball landed in Hodge’s mitt and remained there. Then Frank pitched two that seemed very wild. Hurley wondered if he had lost control. He was won- dering when another of those queer corner cutters came over the outside edge and he struck at it. “Two strikes !’’ cried the umpire, as the ball spanked into Bart’s big mitt. “Ye gods and little fishhooks!” moaned Cap’n Wiley, resting his head on his hands. “Is our noble leader going the way of dew before the morning sun- shine? Will he likewise evaporate and fade away? Such a calamity would be too excruciating to endure.” Hurley was puzzled. He could not understand why he had missed the ball, but he realized that he had not fathomed the curve Frank was using. “T’ll get the next one!” he vowed. Frank tried the inside corner, and for the third time Hurley missed, “You're out!” declared the umpire. The captain of the Outcasts looked very much chagrined as he retired to the bench. “What's the matter?’ asked Crackson Swatt. the whole bunch hypnotized ?” “Something is the.matter for a fact,” admitted Hur- ley. “Try to bunt it, Swatt. We've got to find a way to get our bats against the ball.” The entire team had great confidence in Swatt. At the beginning of their career the Outcasts had batted with Swatt in the eighth position, like most profes- sional teams; but his stick work had been so good that it was found advisable to move him up directly behind Hurley. ‘Do project the Spalding somewhere, Swattsie!” implored Cap’n Wiley. ‘This continued agitation of the atmosphere without visible results is a weariness to the flesh. It will retire me to the bughouse before long.” Although four of his companions, all good batters, had failed to get a hit off Frank, Swatt was confident. “T’ll hit it Ig “He can’t fool me,” he told himself. somewhere.” The first ball pitched by Merry passed behind Crack- son’s back, which caused him to laugh. “Keep spitting on it,” he said, “and you'll throw it over the grand stand before the game is ended. You can’t control it. Better stop wetting it and pitch your usual way.” oy youn hits.” 22 ‘ “Thank you for the advice,” smiled Merry. “Ii I throw it over the grand stand I may decide to follow your kind suggestion.” But he kept on wetting the ball. Crackson went after the second one pitched, but he was deceived like the others, missing it cleanly. “Come! come!” cried a man on the bleachers. “I thought you fellows could hit a little. You don’t seem to amount to shucks when you get up against a real pitcher.” Hurley was frowning and watching Merriwell’s . movements. He also tried to follow the course of the ball after it left Frank’s hand. | Merry made another wild pitch, and the ball got past Hodge. This did no damage, however, as there was no one on the bases. Among the spectators Hobe Manton brightened up a little. “It will come in time,” he said. ‘Merriwell can’t keep it up. He’s losing control now. What if the Outcasts had happened to have a man on third then? Why, he would have cantered home easily.” _ “But if they don’t do better they’ll never get a man on first,” said Frost, with an icy sneer. “They'll get one there pretty soon,’ nodded Man- ton. “They can’t hit Merriwell.” “They won't have to if he keeps on growing wild. They'll all walk.” But the next ball pitched looked bate to Swatt, and again he swung at it. He missed. “Well, wouldn’t that ais you violently!” cried Wiley, an expression of pain on his swarthy face. “Wait till I trip out there and put the marble over the fence. Then the gaping multitude will rise up and call me blessed.” Swatt had a puzzled took on his heavy face. Like those who had batted before him, he could not under- stand why he had failed so completely, although he realized that the ball had taken some kind of a freak- ish shoot. “Make ‘connections there!” yelled Wiley. “What ails you? Have you been smoking dope? Hit it any- where and pray as yourun. Don’t be trying any fancy stunts at placing the ball. I know that old tar in the box, and he can throw evetything from a high ball to a fish ball. oe won't make a record trying to place rs - Swatt gave Wiley a look. Then he gripped his bat and rane er ee WEEKLY. Again the ball delivered by Frank looked good to him, and again he struck at it. Again he missed. “Boys,” said Hurley, rising to his feet, “that man Merriwell has invented a new curve, and we'll have to wake up and hustle if we get any safe hits off him to-day.” | “And all my labor in teaching this bunch to hit the double-shoot was wasted!’ moaned the sailor. ‘When I think of that it makes my arm wearied and weak. I am fain to confess that Merriwell is too astute for a mortal of common clay.” | Crackson Swatt sat down gloomily. “T’ve batted against spit ball pitchers before: but I’ve never seen one with that kink in his delivery,” he admitted. “You didn’t bunt,” said Hurley. “T tried it once and missed. When I can’t get my bat against a ball that curves fair over the plate the pitcher is a wizard or I have lost my batting eye.” Roden was next, and he attempted a bunt. He was the first to make anything like a success at hitting the ball, but his bunt went into the hands of Ready, who came rushing in for it. 3 Jack had plenty of time to throw Roden out, but he made a bad throw to Browning. The ball went over Bruce’s head and into the crowd. Wiley yelled like a maniac. “Twinkle your Trilbies!’ he howled, his eyes bulg- ing. “Dust along the chalk mark! the atmosphere! Take second.” Bruce got the ball and snapped it to Merry. Roden had reached second in safety, and the crowd awoke, for at last it seemed that the Outcasts had done something. Yet these two bags had been made on Ready’s error, no hit having been secured off Frank. Scurry through CHAPTER XIV. FRANK AT HIS BEST. On the bleachers Bob Gowan woke up and iimcved re forth a cheer. ' “Here is where we start!’ he gurgled. was sure to happen!” “Oh, rot!” said Mike ae cident, and you know it, Gowan. They haven't touched Merriwell for a e and a may not.” “They'll touch him up now,” base. These hens go to yey easily.” I knew it ooh “Tt was a great ac- — asserted Gowan. } “He'll go to pieces as soon as there is a runner on a i DS aan gp se ir nila Toasien ti Aoi pc ia a nh aa es Beer pene lot tio St Sec th St re: thi th ch g2 be nc a xd to man ve to him t the Vhen Be re, ora but 99 he my the was the who t he ver ———" ‘ Taek ts ioe’ lif heh ith tects mee at i ln in een a ig a artes cl cag . ar peller and move up on it every time. - sailor. TAP TOP “Bet you even money the next man don’t reach first,’ proposed Grafter. “Go you for a hundred!” promptly. said Gowan. Wiley was on the coaching line. “Divorce yourself from that sack, Roden!’ he whooped. “Dig your toes into the turf and be ready to burglarize that third cushion. Get off! Don't anchor there! Watch the swing of his Spalding pro- He won't throw down there. He thinks he’ll strike Grimley out. Ha! ha! and ho! ho! I’d drop dead if he ever struck Cal Grimley out! Send the ball on a voyage, Grim, old Salt! Let her clear for a foreign port!” Grimley hit viciously at the first ball, but, like all the Others, save Roden, he missed. “Open your eyes when you strike!’ shrieked the “How could you miss it? That's Do your sleeping nights! It’s too easy to hit that sort criminal ! of a ball. Put it over the fence! Drop it out of the lot! Get away, Roden! You're hugging that sack as if you thought it a pretty girl. Forget your affec- tion for it and break away!” Grimley checked his desire to hit the ball hard. Steadying his nerves, he tried to meet it squarely and secure a safe hit. — : He fouled it the next time he struck. “Too bad!’ howled Wiley.. “Came near doing it then, Grim. Just a trifle more to the starboard. Steady now. You'll do it. You can’t help it. Be ready to put on full steam ahead, Roden. You'll tie the score right here!” But Grimley proved just as easy as the others for Frank, and Wiley groaned as the batter struck the: + & third time and missed. _ “Tt’s a shame!” he muttered, as he cantered out to his position. “We can’t keep on throwing away these chances. My reputation will be ruined if we lose this game.” Mat O’Neill used his head in the third inning. He mixed ’em up, using a change of pace that was very bothersome. Although two of the Merries hit the ball, not one of the first three reached the initial sack. It was now Wiley’s turn to strike. “Do you think you'll hit it?’ shouted a man on the oh bleachers, “Think?” cried Wiley, in his peculiar manner. “How can I miss it? Watch the fence and see me drop £, it over with the utmost ease.” “Oh, yah!” cried Dunnerwurst, derisively. “You -vill drop der fence ofer der pall with Vrankie bitching _—I don’d think!” ; > WEEKLY. 22 “Stop talking so carelessly,” advised Wiley. ‘You get. your tongue all tangled up so it falls over itself.” Twirling his bat as if it was a light cane, the sailor advanced to the plate. “I am sorry for you, Merry,” he said, jauntily. “I have to do it. I believe in setting a good example, and I’ll have to show these dopey dubs how to hit the ball. Once on a time I made a-seven-base hit. I galloped round the diamond and came home while the fielders were chasing the merry sphere as it went dancing elu- sively away. As I reached the plate I heard one of the opposing players inform the umpire that I had failed to touch second sack with my dainty tootsie. I knew it was true. I likewise knew the umpire loved me now and would gladly claim he had seen me cut the cushion. Therefore I started round the diamond again and reached third before the ball was thrown in, thus mak- ing seven ‘bases on the hit. I'll be satisfied with four off you, Frank. It will be a great sufficiency.” No one save Wiley would have ventured to spend the time to relate such an incident before striking; but the sailor did most things after his own particular — fashion, and no one seemed inclined to object. “I’m glad you think you'll feel satisfied with a four- base hit, cap’n;” said Frank. “Go ahead and get it.” Surely the Marine Marvel tried hard enough when he swung at the first ball delivered to him. The bat flew from his hands and went whizzing thrddih the air. “Duck!” he yelled. ae ‘ducked”’ just in time to let the bat go over him. “T pray thee be cautious,” said Jack, as he straight- ened up. ‘What hast thou against me?” “You're too handsome,” answered Wiley. “I hate to behold a man who is handsomer than I.” : The bat was returned to him, and he again took his place in the batter’s box. “Is that the way you hit it?” derisively called a spec- tator. “I don’t think you'll drive it very far.” “Think again, Willie,” advised the sailor. “You have one more coming, but you don’t look to me as if you could stand it. Your thinking apparatus must be strained to its full capacity: to grind out one whole thought a day.” Then he turned to Frank. “We're old college chumps, aren’t we, Merry?” he ‘inquired. “Sure,” nodded Frank. “Then give me a straight one right over the plate. I don’t like that new kink you're pitching. It’s, like a 24 MIO Rae foreign language to me. I’ll make it all right with you if you give me one [ can hit.” He smiled in his bland manner and seemed to think Merry would comply. “Here it is,” laughed Frank. It seemed like a straight one, and the sailor swung hard a second time. He struck under it several inches, for the ball swerved upward and outward in the same remarkable manner that had bothered every batter to face Merry. “Two strikes!” declared the umpire. “That’s criminal, Merry—criminal!”’ ~ exclaimed Wiley, reproachfully. “How could you deceive your bosom friend like that? I thought guile and deception was not to be found in your heart, but now, alas! I realize that you are like other mortals of common clay.” Wiley now hecame the butt of ridicule for the crowd, but he did not mind it in the least. In fact, the more they tried to josh and guy him the more he seemed to like it. He declined to swing at two coaxers. “Nay, nay, Merry!” cried the sailor. “I am onto your tricks now.. You would betray your bosom com- rade. You'll have to put it over before I wiggle my wand again.” “T see you are onto me,” said Merry. “It is useless for me to try to fool you, so I'll give you one straight over. Here it is.” Merry threw his peculiar “dope ball.” Even though Wiley himself was a pitcher and he often used a slow ball, he was fooled this time. It seemed to come up as large as a balloon, and he struck at it. He hit it, too. But he simply popped a tiny little fly into the air, and Merry sprang forward and caught it. The spectators roared and shouted, asking the sailor if that was his wonderful four-base hit. Wiley shook his head sadly. “Never again as long as I tread this terrestrial sphere shall I trust human nature,’ he declared, ambling to- ward the bench. “I have been basely betrayed. But wait—my revenge is yet to come, and it shall be deep and terrible.” , O’Neill longed to make a safe hit, but he was an- other of the batters that Merry fanned easily. Then came Creel, and he bunted. Again Ready got the ball in time to throw the man out, but once more he made a poor throw. Browning was dragg ged off the base, and Creel reached it in safety. WEEKLY. Instantly Wiley appeared on the coaching line and opened up merrily. ' He gave Creel the signal to try to steal second. “May as well take chances,’ he muttered. “We'll never get a score any other way.” So the runner attempted a steal on the first ball Frank pitched to Marcey. The ball came whistling into the hands of Hodge. Bart seemed to pause a moment and watch Creel on his way to second. Then he made a throw that sent the ball down on a dead line and straight into the hands of Rattleton, who was waiting. Creel slid, but Harry nailed him, and.the third in- ning was over. CHAPTER XY. A GAME WORTH WINNING. “Well, what do you think of it, Gowan?” laughed old man Grafter, as the seventh inning closed with the score still one to nothing in favor of the Merries. McGann had joined Gowan. He showed that he was worried. “Think?” wheezed the corpulent backer of the Out- casts. “I think it’s something unreasonable. I be- lieve Merriwell has bought the game!” “No, no!” said’ McGann, shaking his head. ‘‘You’re: wrong, Bob.” “Then why don’t they bat that fellow?” “He’s using a new curve, and they can’t hit it. Hurley says it’s something absolutely novel.’ “Well, are they going to let this fellow hold them down and break their streak?” angrily. “I have money bet on this game. them up and get them into it. Mike Grafter laughed. “No use to squirm, Gowan, my boy,” “We've got you.” Wake They’ve got to win!” he said. ” “If they lose this game, McGatn, lose a thousand dollars.” said Gowan, “IT “That’s not all we lose,” said McGann. “T have a contract with sexs aboan by which the winners take all <4 the gate money.” | ort “What?” gasped Gowan. “That’s right. He sort of forced me into it. fused every other offer I made.” : “Oh, no!” exclaimed Wallace Grafter. “You for- get that I was present, Mr. McGann, when the arrange- / ment was made.” wheezed Gowan, Re- 3 j re hey 966 fo. h Be ga: 2 es n gi ‘ an heh be tl a ee O a Re . E F TiP: TOR “Well, he refused every reasonable offer.” “Not at all. derstanding that the winners should have two-thirds He was willing to play with the un- and the losers one-third. He even offered to split the receipts even.” “Well, was that reasonable?” snapped McGann. _ “Here we have the reputation, and a youngster like ‘ him wants to split even with us.” hs “It might have been better for you than the arrange- ment you made. If you do not get a dollar, you'll have no one but yourself to blame.” “They must win!” growled McGann. & He left the bleachers and hurried to the bench, where | he waited to speak with Capt. Hurley. In the first half of the seventh the Merries fell on ol the ball hard, three men making long drives to the | outfield, but the fielders were able to catch each one, % and so there was no danger of more scores for Frank. - “We must do something, Hurley!” exclaimed Mc- | Gann, as the captain of the Outcasts reached the bench. “Tf we lose this game, all the gate money goes to those chaps.” “How is that?” McGann explained. “That’s bad,” admitted Hurley. everything in our power. The boys can’t bear the “We've been doing thought of being beaten by those chaps, but we can’t seem to hit Merriwell. That new curve of his is a puzzler.”’ McGann implored Hurley to do something, but _ again he was assured that everything possible was be- _ ing done. Rtas: However, there was some excitement in that inning. - The Outcasts had found they could hit Merry safely Marcey, however, was an easy out . only by bunting. at first. Bimm followed with a bunt that rolled foul, i : then struck a pebble and rolled fair again. Merry got it and snapped it to Browning, who _.muffed it. - Bimm crossed first in safety. The Outcast began to whoop things up. They had many sympathizers in the crowd, and a great uproar arose. WEEKLY. 25 Hurley followed with a bunt that landed Bimm on second. The captain of the Outcasts was thrown. out at first. Swatt longed to “lace” the ball, but Hurley was positive in his signal for a bunt and he obeyed | The bunt was sent down the line toward third. Bimm raced for third as he saw Ready come off for the ball. Morgan covered the sack and Ready” snapped the In his haste, Jack made a bad throw, and Morgan barely touched it ball to him, instead of throwing to first. with his fingers. “Up!” yelled Wiley, who was on the coaching line. “Up and sail for port! Hooray, the score is tied! Now we'll win! I knew the disgrace of defeat could not fall on us!” Bimm scrambled up and scooted for the plate, while the spectators rose and watched, some yelling for joy. Bob Gowan yelled as loudly as his wheezy voice would permit, at the same time slapping Grafter on the shoulder. . “It’s our game, after all!” he said. “Right here is where we win it!” Among the spectators another man was highly elated. He was Hobe Manton, who whooped lustily. “That’s the trick!” he shouted. money was gone, but now I feel it in my pocket with “T thought my some more to keep it company.” Of course Melvin McGann was delighted. But suddenly something happened to change the tune of the rejoicing ones. Apparently no one had observed that Buck Badger had worked in from the far outfield until he was not a great distance behind third. He happened to be in the right place to get the ball with little delay. Bimm was halfway from third to the plate when Badger threw. 7 Hodge was on the plate. He saw the ball coming, but did not put up his hands until it was quite near. An instant after he did put them up the ball spanked into them. Bimm had not been warned, and he had made no effort to slide. Bart stepped off instantly and met him, tagging him with the ball, a LEG TRE 26 ‘ There: was silence—then another roar. This time the Merriwell admirers shouted. “What's this?” gasped Cap’n Wiley, looking round in amazement. ‘Who threw in that ball?’ The umpire declared Bimm out. Wiley saw that Badger had thrown the ball, and his head dropped. “Alas!” he muttered; “thus my fondest hopes van- ish one by oWe. It has been thus ever since the days of my innocent boyhood on Nigger Island.” Mike Grafter smote Bob Gowan on the shoulder and yelled with. delight, while Gowan seemed ready to collapse in a heap. The now. “Ho! ho! ho! It’s It’s over, my boy! ‘They won't have “Ha! ha! ha!” roared Grafter. wind changed suddenly, Bob. different They’re all out. another chance like that. The game is just the same as finished !’’ “T dunno but you're right,” admitted Gowan, weakly. “That was awful! I'll never recover from it. Frank congratulated Badger as the Kansan came in. “The right man in the right place, Buck!” he said. “That was pretty work.”’ Wiley was silent now. An atmosphere of sadness had fallen’on him, and his mouth was closed. Perhaps no one present felt worse than Hobe Man- ton. wit they'd tied it then they would have won. I’ve lost my I’m busted!” “It looks that way,” said Dent Frost. “Rotten! rotten! rotten!” he kept repeating. money ! “And we've lost something on your advice,” mut- tered Necker, sourly. The ninth inning was a swift one, O’Neill held the Merries down, but in turn Frank did not permit a single one of the three Outcasts to face him to touch \ the ball, All through the game he had done his level best, and the.new curve had kept the great Outcasts from doing any hitting. The game ended with the score one to nothing in favor of the Merries, who were wildly cheered by their admirers as the. conquering heroes who had broken the wonderful streak of the Outcasts, WEEKLY. , As the crowd was leaving the ground a sudden up- roar broke forth. Two men were engaged in a hand- | to-hand encounter not far from the home plate. e Pink Cassidy had stopped.-Hobe Manton and de- ‘ manded the money promised him. . be Manton promptly hit Cassidy, nearly knocking him down. With a roar, Pink recovered and went at the gentle- man pugilist, who immediately found that he had a real fight on his hands, The uproar alarmed Frost and Necker. £3 “This is no place for us!” exclaimed Frost. “Skip !” | They lost not a moment in getting away. “Right!” agreed Necker. Two officers reached the fighting men and hesitated not a moment about using their clubs. Both chaps were stretched out and then arrested. As the fighters were being dragged from the grounds Merry got a good look at one of them. “Hello!” he cried. “So it’s you, Manton! Well, Lock him up, Mr. Officer; if you hold him long enough I’ll have some-_ you're in trouble, as you deserve. thing in the way of a warrant to serve on him.” “Ye'll have plenty av chance, sor,” e said the police- man. THE END. The Mext Number (480) Will Contain Frank Merriwell’s Lacrosse Team: OR, THE GREAT HUSTLE WITH JOHNS HOPKINS. et terre The Bitterness of Defeat—Something about Girlsk—The Prospect of a Game—TGhe Pangs of Jealousy—Fill. more Meets Mereiwell—Out on the Pimloco Road. _ * At the Road House—The Slugger—In the Ring. The First Round—The Second Round—The Third Round—Caught in Theit Own Trap—Before the Game—A Lively First Half—A Hot Second Half. ~ s TIP: TOP. - WEEKLY: 27 pak NEW YORK, June 17, 1905. TERMS TO TIP TOP WEEKLY MAIL SUBSCRIBERS. (Postace Fru.) Single Copies or Back Numbers, 5c. Bach. 65c. |} One year .........0020.5 $200 4 months 85e. | 2 copies one year.......... 4.00 NS ERRNO 8s ase GA a AP phew acest $1.25 | 1 copy two years.......... 4.00 How ro Ssnp. Monsy.—By post-office or express money order, _ segistered letter, bank check or draft, at our risk. At your own risk if sent by currency, coin, or postage stamps in ordinary etter. Rzecurers..—Receipt of your remittance is acknowledged by proper yhange of number on your label. If not correct you have not been properly credited, and should let us know at once. STREET & SMITH’S TIP TOP WEEKLY, 238 William St., New Yerk City. aie APPLAUSE. Owing to the number of letters received, the editors of Tip Top cannot undertake to secure their publication _ under six weeks. Those who contribute to this depart- _ ment must not expect to see them before that time. 3 months I thought I would write a few lines to tell you what I think of Arkansas Bill, who wrote in the Applause column of Tip Top, No. 460. His applause is somewhat. different from mine. He _ says: “I hope Del Norte and the syndicate he has formed will be the downfall of Frank Merriwell and his notorious, handsome brother, Dick.” Well, I think that Bill needs more brains. Per- haps, after he finishes all the stories in which Del Norte is _ spoken of, he will change his mind. Some people of late have been trying to put down Brad Buck- hart. These people are not very well acquainted with Brad. - He is as true as steel, I think. I suppose I had better close my letter now, as it is getting too lengthy. Hoping this will escape the wastebasket, and wishing B. L. S. and S. & S. long life and. _ success, I will close, with three cheers for Tip Top, yours for pie, Bi des a ee _ Greensburg, Pa, . _ Another friend of Brad’s, ae Bill” would evidently re- ceive a warm reception in Greensburg, wouldn’t he? _ After reading Tip Top for a number of years, I would like to tell you how I enjoy it. I like Frank, Bart, Bruce, Buck and others. Of Dick’s set, I like Dick, old big Brad, Obediah, Ted and Chip. Arkansas Bill must be just such a person as Theo- ‘dore S., or he is crazy, one of the two. Yes, Chet holds the winning hand for a little bit of a while, then Dick steps in and shows him a better one. Listen to him run Brad down! Why, I'll tell you, he knows Brad could do him up any day.. Boys, this fellow must have a mind and brains like the long-eared animal. Just think, he hopes Del Norte will be the downfall of Frank! I'll bet he wouldn’t say that to Hodge, for the next moment he would think Jeffries had him. Well, I'll shut up. Philadelphia, Pa. / A Loyat Tip Topper. Ce A Loyal Tip Topper and a loyal friend of Dick and Hodge. _ Here comes another Tip Top admirer. ; ; There are five in our house, and we all,love the Tip Top. Of course, when it comes, we all want it first. As that is im- possible, one of us reads it aloud. My little sister, eleven years old, is very much in love with Bruce, and thinks there’s no one like him. I think all the boys are fine; of course, with a few exceptions, for instance, Chester. What a pretty name for such a bad boy. Vd like Frank so much better if only he wasn’t a “Yankee.” Dick and his baseball team are my favorites. Suppose it’s be- cause I know them best. I like all of the girls, and think the author chooses such sweet, pretty names for them. Hope Dick and’ Brad will soon return to school. awful to fight a duel with bad eggs? I’d have fought with a pistol first. If Mrs. Gunn knew about Sarah! H’m! wonder what she would say? Arkansas Bill, in 460, was hoping for the downfall of the Merriwells, but I think he’ll hope in vain. Suppose this is long enough for the first, so will close, with best wishes to Tip Top and its author, also S. & S Ponchatoula, La. Wasn’t it Had I been the professor a: “Drxre Grr.” There is quite a circle of admirers in your family, isn’t there? Although Frank is a “Yankee,” we are sure that should not make any difference. He’s a typical American, whether he comes from New England or from Dixie. I am sure he will appreciate such words of praise from his Southern friends. I have been reading the great weekly named Tip Top for a short time.. I have been reading the Applause of your weekly and am interested in the column. The weekly is the greatest book of its kind. Although J am not interested much in reading, I certainly get interested in the Tip Top. I like Frank of all the crowd the best. Hans Dunnerwurst is certainly a comical lad. Inza is a very grateful girl, and I would not be surprised if we would read of Mrs. Inza Merriwell as Frank’s wife. At the St. Louis football game I was greatly excited to read of brave Frank Merriwell. And the next number following, “Frank Merriwell in Denver,” where he showed California Sam a stunt in bull wrestling. I am not a poet, but I will inclose a few stanzas about the hero of the Tip Top Weekly. I would like to ask one ques- tion. Why is Dick Merriwell such a great baseball pitcher? Here goes the stanzas: We all know of our hero, Frank Merriwell by name. When in the season He wins the football game. Frank Merriwell has friends Both young and old. | He always speaks gentle, And his friends the.” have told. We've read of old Bruce, The laziest in the land; But when they play baseball He is always on hand. ; Yours, East Grand Forks, Minn. Your stanzas express your sentiments concerning Frank. How could Dick help being such a good baseball player with Frank to coach him? EpcArR M, Hamm. It is quite unnecessary to praise the Tip Top in any manner, as all its correspondents show what is really thought of it. But I suppose I can get in a line of criticism, not so much on the characters of the weekly, as the character of some of its cor-, respondents. The most important thing I have to say in regard to Tip Top is that the best character—with no exceptions—is left out too much, viz.: “Dave Flint.” Comparing him with Dick, one would say that Dick has a brother that is a good example and aid to him. He also is wealthy and has no one depending on him in any direct manner. In fact, he has everything to his advantage, being a model young man with one exception, “he has no mother.” Dave Flint has this one great disadvantage—he has no one to set him a good example. His father is a detriment rather than an aid to him. He has a crippled brother depending on him and is poor financially. Dick was hot-headed, but was taught how to control his temper by his brother. ; Kindly tell me who taught Dave Flint how to control his tem- per, which is just as quick as Dick’s? 28 LEP xTOP Then look at the restraint he has to keep on himself to keep his promise to his mother, at times. I don’t mean to lower Dick’s colors, for I think he’s a good character. But, in my judgment, there is nobody introduced into Tip Top stories yet that is on the same level as Dave Flint. Now as to the character of the Tip Top correspondents. I have noticed there are varied opinions on-certain subjects, and I enjoy reading them, for I like to know the different opinions people have on these said subjects; but one thing I am heartily sorry for is that a person reading the Tip Top could be such a poor, insignificant, measly character as the person is who signs his letter “The Son of a Badly Beaten Englishman.” I am sorry, for once in my life, that I never extended my vocabulary so as to have at my command a number of adjectives, or epithets, that would in some manner help to express the opinion of a Canuck “who is the son of an Englishman that was never whipped.” Take Dave Flint, for éxample. His father was said to be a criminal, but did you ever hear him say anything against his. father? This despicable creature, who says he is “The Son of a Badly Beaten Englishman,” need never feel any disgrace because his father’s side may have lost in war, But his father would, without any doubt, bow his head in shame if he knew that he had a son of such a type. Another character, in speaking of a “Canuck,” says they are what it means in German. I haye studied German and know that there is no such word as canuck in the language, the near- est to it being “genug,’ meaning “enough.” No doubt any “Canuck” boy would be “enough” for that character. Any well read person, or one having personal acquaintance with Canadians, know that they are a class of people high above the average, and that they never acknowledge themselves beaten, or to be “sons of badly beaten Englishmen.” __ I wish Mr. Standish, who no doubt knows I am speaking the truth in regard to Canadians, would introduce a real, genuine Canadian boy of the type found any place in Ontario, or the West, and let the readers judge for themselves. _ J remain, A Canuck VisiTInc OHIO0. Cleveland, Ohio. You are certainly loyal to the Dominion. Our readers probably would not have you otherwise, for loyalty is second nature to all Americans, and “Canucks” are Americans also. Not seeing any Applause sent in from these parts, will write you and say that we consider the Tip \Top Weekly an ideal publication and enjoy reading them very much. Think each character is drawn out splendidly. ; Have not been reading them more than two years, but have been unable thus far to see anything that would cause a sane person to make a remark, such as Jeanne did, wishing, while Chester was bathing, he would—accidentally on purpose—tap Brad on the nut and put him in cold storage for evermore. I do not like to criticise a person for not thinking as I do, but it does seem that arilyone with a spark of intelligence would know more than to make a remark of that kind. Brad being so good and true, and is “there with the goods” to back up his talk, while Chester does not appear to have one good point. I do not consider that I,.M. A. Mistake is worthy of attention. Hoping to see this in print, will close, with best regards to Men Ss AN ARDENT ADMIRER. Belmond, Ia. Brad has a strong champion in you, and no doubt, if you were around, Chester would have a hard job in trying to work his tricks on good old Brad. 4 Having read Tip Top constantly for three years, I suppose it it time for the “Sunflower State” to wake up. Not noticing any letter in the Applause column from here, I thought I would awaken things up around here, I like all the characters in Tip Top. I am not in love with Chet Arlington, but I can hardly hate him. He is not so awful bad, and I hope in time he will change and become a manly fellow. Although I am doubtful of any such change, there is hope. I think Dick is a,fine boy. I also think, if he keeps up the rate he is going now, he will become as popular as his brother Frank, who has no equal in popularity and distinguished manhood. Then comes dear old Brad, Flint, Gardner, Smart, Bradley and the rest of the good, noble-hearted friends of Dick’s. As for the girls, I like them all. June is the girl for Dick, and good, sweet, little Doris should not be forgotten. I hope the “knockers” will go off and gag them- WEEKLY. selves. “I. M.» Delighted” with the Applause column; “I. M. Disgusted” because the knockers spoil the true interest that the Applause column should receive. If they would knock their heads against a stone wall and keep it out of Tip Top, I think the Applause column would make better progress. I noticed that one Mr. I. M. K. said Dick had the swell head and was full of con- ceit. I think if he weighed the matter a little more in his upper story he would see fit to reject the words.- Three cheers and a tiger for S.& S., B. L. S. I remain, a Tip Top lover, Kansas City, Kan. FLloyp WASHINGTON. Your letter is a regular cyclone of enthusiasm from the “Sun- flower State.” Yes, indeed, Dick is equaling Frank in popularity. As we have read the Tip Top for about six years, we desire to express our opinon concerning it. ; We were confident that Chester Arlington would soon rise to the top at Fardale and down Dick Merriwell and his right-hand man, the bully from Texas, called by sensible people, “Brad, the blowhard.” We were very downcast on hearing of the death of Porfias Del Norte, Awhom we hoped would soon show what a fake Frank was, and show what a schemer Merriwell was to get hold of the money of good people. We hope that our dear Mr. Standish will quit following the adventures of the two Merriwells, and take us back to Fardale, where Chester is now, and would have been at first if he had had half a show. Of the girls, Zona Desmond is fhe truest American girl, who stays by her friends when they are in need, as the old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” So wake up, Arlingtonites, and shake your rattles. Hoping that we may see this in print soon, we remain, two unsatisfied, J. M. ann C. W. Warsaw, III. Well, this is a surprise! We wonder if you really mean it, or are you not just “joshing” a little? , I have been an almost constant reader of your popular maga- zine—whenever I could get it. I was away on a foreign station until about four months ago, when we arrived in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and while away it was impossible to get the books until they were over a month old. Whenever on shore leave, we would get a lot of the back numbers, and whenever we are off watch we read one or two. With a cheer for old Tip Top, Street & Smith and Burt L. Standish, I will close. And don’t forget to tell B. L. S. that he has the best regards of all the crew of the U. S&. S. Kearsarge. J. M. Buckman, Naval Apprentice, First Class. U. S. S. Kearsarge, Brooklyn, Navy Yard. There is no doubt that “Our Boys” in the navy while away many a dull hour by following the fortufes of the Merriwells and their friends. and all our gallant bluejackets ! As I have been a delighted reader of your truly ideal publica- tion for the past five years, I trust you will not deem it an intrusion if I enter my little “word,” since no one has yet been bold enough to speak from this section. Mr. Standish deserves all possible encomiums for the excel- lent manner in which he raises the standard, as he has surely reached the limit of perfection in the portrayal of character, good and bad. The subjects of his. writings are real, live and inspir- ing. I take a pardonable pride in all connected with the two great models, Frank and Dick Merriwell, and although I confess to favorites, I can find no disfavor with any of their friends. Of these, Brad Buckhart, the noble, unselfish double of Dick himself, is unquestionably my favorite hero. apparently uncouth exterior there beats a true heart, a proven, unselfish manhood, that makes the true American citizen, and may well be emulated by any and all the youth of our nation. Of the boys, all are good, and it is a shining example of what proper associations and noble example may accomplish, Three cheers for the crew of the Kearsarge As to their enemies, those who have followed them through © their successive victories will have utmost confidence that right Although Chester — will triumph. Opposition determines worth! Arlington seems utterly depraved and altogether a hopeless case, — he is yet indispensable to the author, and I have hope that he — will yet “stand abashed at his own exceeding folly, and repent.” _ : Behind the rough, | Ex M. he ds he ne ir OOer RON *» __ It is not for me to question Mr. Standish’s wisdom in the se- lection of a life mate for Dick, but I perfectly agree with a ) writer of Tip Top, who said: “As Doris was our first beloved heroine, it is right that we still stand up for the sweet, gentle } girl, who was once our favorite and Dick’s.” June is a noble ) girl, but it would give me pleasure to learn of our hero fas- _tening his affections on our lovely Doris. As some stated, there 4s a world of importance involved in a marriage of suitable tem- | peraments, and therefore I believe Doris to be more acceptable. On the subject. * Though this may not appear in the Applause, nevertheless I i take pleasure in writing it, and hope to be given a place among — your favored. Wishing Mr. Standish the success he merits, and } an eventful season for Tip Top, I remain, a supporter and pro- ~ Moter of the same, ° A PEDAGOGUE. Scott City, Kan. Your interesting and well written letter is appreciated. Yes, Chester seems to be indispensable to the stories. They would Probably pepve rather dull if all the characters were perfect. We Must have contrasts, you know. Having read the Applause in Tip Top 460, and seen Arkansas ill’s letter, saying Chester had won, I thought I would say a word or two back to him. Chester Arlington has had Dick expelled from school, it is true, but Dick will come back, and then good-by to Chester. If you had any feelings at all for ick you would not be saying such things. Chester Arlington is a poor “stick,” and deserves to be made to ride out of town on a rail or to be hung, one or the other. Dick is a splendid fellow, _ and I wish my brothers were like him. Brad is O. K., even if | he did come from Texas. Don’t think, because you are from ) Arkansas, you are the whole push, because you are not. June | is a very nice girl, but Doris is the better of the two. Zona is / not in it. She and Chester make a good pair. Well, as I have had my say and vented my anger on “Arkansas Bill,” I will now close. Hoping to see this letter in print, I remain, a Tip op admirer, PEARL, Waupun. _ A good reply to “Arkansas Bill.” Dick certainly has a happy faculty of making many friends—and keeping them also. _ I wish to reply to Mr. C. Hill Welch, whose letter appeared in No. 462. - Would that I had the very great gift of flowing, flowery lan- } guage, as has Mr. Welch! As it is, I can simply state my - Position in straightforward, everyday English. You, Mr. Welch, said that my letter was so smooth and_per- Suasive that it was dangerous. In other words, although it Sounded all right.in the reading, it really did not contain much. Are you aware that you have laid yourself open to the same accusation? You used many high sounding and very pretty Phrases—in fact, about two columns of them. You remind me ) greatly of men I have heard in the legislature, who talk on and ) On, using very nice-sounding sitnilies, etc., and we think how ) delightful it is to listen to you; but after we get outside and try ' to reason out just what point the orator has been trying to im- press on us, we are entirely at a loss of find one single thing that has brought conviction. _ However, you are not entirely like these, as you have man- aged to make your meaning plain, although it could have been one in much fewer words. I think you misconstrued my meaning. Did I even so much iS express desire that Doris should marry Dick? I did not. In fact, | am wholly undecided as to which I would rather he should harry. I simply said that, according to the way I had reasoned it, Dick would take Doris as a life partner. Isn’t this correct? f course it is. ; I did not say that they would be happier because they were opposite complexions, did 1? No; I simply said that people of “Opposite complexions made pretty matches, and, as Mr. Standish d seen fit to go according to this rule in the instance of ank and Inza, thereby disappointing many Elsieites, it cer- ainly looked as if the characters had been so endowed with ‘omplexions, dispositions, etc., that things would be different in Dick stories. This is simply my opinion, and everybody las a right to the same. te Ne In further support of my theory, I will state that Dick has ~ shall be pleased to hear from other Dorisites and suggestions TIP TOP WEEKLY, 29 a different character and disposition than Frank. Is it not so? You are aware, as well as I, that Dick is more fiery—having a Spanish mother, this is natural—than his brother; in fact, he is an entirely different personage than our old-time hero. As to the choice I shall make some day, I prefer to leave that» to fate. I sincerely hope it will be neither dark or light. May I be delivered from matrimony! I have seen quite a few girls in my time, and must confess that not one of them has possessed sufficient charms to lure me into even contemplating such a fool- ish step! However,’ if it must come, let it be one who will be able to put up with my somewhat uncertain disposition, one who is good in every sense of the word, and she can be white, black or red for all I care. I would reply at mote length to your kind communication, Mr. Welch, but have neither the time nor the desire to crowd out . more desirable stuff in Applause. Prrcivat D. Scott. Salmon Falls, N. H. Quite a torrent of eloquence! We are sure that when the right girl comes along you will not ask to be delivered from matrimony. Let us hope that she will be white! Having read the Tip Top Weekly for over three years, I thought it was about time for me to express my opinion about it.. I think it is about the best weekly I ever read. And I think the boys and girls ought to feel grateful because they can get such nice stories so cheap. Of course, Dick, Frank and all their friends we all like. Hoping to see this in print, and wishing the greatest suctess to S. & S. and Burt L., I remain, a true admirer, 323 Alix Street, Algiers, La. Wm. Court. P. S.—Would like to exchange postal cards with any reader. Vould like to know what the price of Tip Top badges are. You can secure a Tip Top badge by sending ten cents and two coupons cut from Tip Top. As I have been a constant and silent reader of Tip Top, I thought it my duty to state my opinion of some of the characters contained in it. Well, to begin with, Frank and Dick are my favorites, If one wanted to turn over a new leaf and become a man, my advice would be to follow in the footsteps of Frank Merriwell. He fas had a long and desperate fight to gain his end, but he has ac- complished it to my entire satisfaction, for I have followed him evet since he went railroading. Oh, ho! That puts me in mind of it. What has become of little blind Nellie? Will we never hear of her again? When I read of her I could almost hear her sweet voice singing as little Jack played the guitar, my favorite instrument. : Now for Dick. I think he is a model for any American boy. My opinion of the Doris-June question is that Dick is worthy of June Arlington—every day in the week. June ought to think of the day Dick saved her from old Quinby’s dogs. That was a noble act of his. Whenever Dick gets ready to choose his pard for life T hope it will be sweet June. Now I do not want to be an J. M. Kicking No. 2, but I think if Chet A. was given a little more credit for what he does do, he would do it some more. I do not admire Chet, but then I think that some day he will see all his wrong-doings and becttne one of Dick’s warmest friends. 3 Well, I really could write all day, but I will close, with three cheers for Burt L. Standish and S. & S., as well as Tip Top. I remain, a Juneite, Gro. A. Brown. 36 South Prospect Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Mr, Standish will probably introduce Nellie in some of his stories in the future. Let us hope that Chester Arlington will follow your advice. “GOLDEN HOURS.” | Boys, have you any old numbers of Golden Hours? If so, see what numbers are among them and write me. stating price. I will pay liberally to complete my files. Address /WILLIAMs, Station ‘‘O,” Box 24, New York City. Re BOIiTE S&S PROF. FOURMEN - Jinches What am footba tennis »Mey es a C 4 #48 a. 3. U Owing to the large number of letters now awaiting answers, which are being constantly added me Os to each day, it will be necessary to condense some of them, retaining only the more important ques- 5 Y tions. Correspondents are requested to make their letters as brief as possible, in order that all may 7 Pro be answered in due time. Jand I Pror. Fourmen: As I am a constant reader of the Tip Top, T others. Our bodies require proper care and nourishment, if we ec. ask xaM o one ek is pa mene git My a 1s de on 9 would develop, and, though you may not notice the ill effects ia inc months; height, eet; waist, 26 inches; weight, 88 pounds; ; . ; ead Br yc ot i forearm, 9 inches; biceps, 114 inches; neck, 12 inches; dutta Of SRO nourishment AREY Sita i les es <8 Soa oe 13 inches; reach, 24 inches; chest, normal, 2714 inches; expanded, take a light breakfast and supper, if your principal meal is in os. 29% inches; wrist, 634 inches; hips, 29 inches; calves, 14 inches; —_ the middle of the day. You are very well developed, considering j my = ankles, 10 inches. If you see any errors in my measurements, your insufficient nourishment, but you should build for the future. | please put it below, and thanking. you, I remain, a constant | reader and admirer of the king of weeklies, yours trul oS y 4 Berkeley, Cal. 8 ne % J Pror, FourMEN: Being a constant reader of Tip Top, would You are/about twelve pounds underweight. Your chest should measure two inches more. Your biceps and calves are well developed. : ' - Pror. Fourmen: As I am a constant reader of Tip Top, I will take the liberty of asking you a few questions, hoping in due time you will answer them. I am 22 years old; weight, 230 pounds; height, 5 feet 9 inches; chest, normal, 40 inches; ex- panded, 42 inches; neck, 17 inches; waist, 50 inches; wrist, 7 inches; calf, 18 inches; ankle, 11 inches. I would like to know what is the best exercise to take the flesh off. I have been fleshy all my life. When I was eight years old I weighed one hundred and forty pounds. Please give me all the advice you can on this description, and oblige, JBC. Cross Creek. You are certainly a heavyweight. You are carrying about sev- enty pounds too much flesh. Plenty of outdoor exercise, long walks and a proper diet will reduce your weight. Get some good book on obesity and follow the directions. Your chest measure- ments are good. Pror. Fourmen: I have always longed to write to you and ask your opinion of my physical condition, and this is the first time I have scraped together enough courage to send you my meas- urements. Chest, natural, 32 inches; expanded, 36 inches; waist, 27 inches; thigh, 18.inches; calf, 12 inches; ankle, 7% inches; neck, 1314 inches; upper arm, 11 inches; forearm, 9/4 inches; wrist, 614 inches; weight, stripped, 100 pounds; height, stockings, 5 feet 1 inch. Am I built well? What are my weak points? . What are my strong points? I go to work very early and do not eat any breakfast. At night I go to a gymnasium right after work, and when I get home it is too late to eat supper. The only meal I eat is at noon, to which I do full justice. Do you think a boy can be healthy on one good meal a day? Thank- ing you in advance, I remain, A Tie Top ApMIReER. hee York City. I most emphatically do not believe that you will ever develop into a strong, healthy man if you continue to exist on one meal a day. You do not give your age, but I presume you are a growing boy, and therefore more in need of proper food than “¥ at four-thirty o’clock in the morning and retire about nine-thirty 8 : like to ask a few questions. I am 17 years old; weight, 125 pounds, with street clothes on; height, 5 feet 5 inches, barefooted; chest, normal, 32 inches; expanded, 34 inches; contracted, 28 inches; waist, 28 inches; right upper arm, 1014 inches; left, 10%4 inches; wrist, 644 inches; calf, 12 inches; thighs, 18 inches; neck, 14 inches; across shoulders, 16 inches. 1. How are these meas- urements? 2. What should I weigh? 3. What are my weakest. points? 4. Do you think I am the build of a boxer? 5. What exercige should I take to make me stronger and quicker? Hop- ing to see this in print, and thanking you in advance, I remain, a constant reader of the Tip Top, T. Oascar. Bur Oak, Ohio. 1. Fair. 2. Your weight is about right. 3. Chest, biceps, thighs and calves. 4. Yes. 5. Eat good, wholesome food; -get at least eight hours’ sleep each night; do not smoke or drink liquor; practice daily on punching bag and*a daily bout with the gloves. Pror. Fourmen: I am a reader of the Tip Top, and would like — to ask a few questions. I am 18 years old, 5 feet 1034 inches ~ , high and weigh 160 pounds. How does this weight compare | with my height? 1.1 work in a: paint shop, three miles from. here, and ride a wheel to work every morning and also when ~ returning home in the evening. Is this all right? 2. What other — exercise would you advise me to take besides this? 3. I get up — at night. Is this sufficient sleep? 4. Next fall I am going to | fire an engine on the Q. C. R. R. What do you think of this | kind of work, if one has a desire for it? 5. What exercise would you advise me to take, after becoming a fireman, or would you advise me to knock off gymnastics altogether? Some people tell me that firing is hard enough work without any athletic exer- cises, and others tell me that no matter what kind of work one is doing, he ought to also do a certain amount of gymnastic work. Now, professor, if you will answer these five questions for me, I will thank you very much. I remain, A Tie Top Ap fe Summit, Miss. Et Your weight is in exact proportion for your height. 1. Walking the three miles would be better exercise. LIP TOP 2. Use dumb-bells and Indian clubs. } 3. No. At your age you should have at least eight hours sleep. > > 4. Good, if you like that line of work. } 5. No. Continue to take light gymnastic exercise to keep Yourself in perfect condition. Do not overdo it, however. } ) Pror. Fourmen: I would like to ask you a few questions. I yam 15 years 4 months old and weigh 102 pounds. Height, 5 feet ; 242 inches; neck, 124 inches; chest, normal, 29 inches; expanded, 30% inches; waist, 2814 inches; thighs, 19 inches; calves, 1334 _Mmnches; ankle, 9 inches; forearm, 84 inches; upper arm, 10 “@inches; wrist, 6 inches. 1. How are my measurements? 2. 4 What are my weak points? 3. How can I remedy them? 4. 74 am short-winded. How can I remedy it? 5.1 cannot play football or baseball because of weak eyes. Are basketball and tennis good exercises? Thanking you in advance, I remain, _»Meyersdale, Pa. E. REANS. ) 1. Height, weight and measurements of lower. limbs good. _ 2. Chest and biceps. | 3. Use dumb-bells and Indian clubs; also a punching bag. _ 4. Learn to breathe through the nose. ae Yes. ) Pror. Fourmen: I am a constant reader of Tip Top Weekly, and I will, with your permission, take the liberty to ask a few estions. I am 14 years old; height, 5 feet 3 inches; weight, ae 5 pounds; chest, normal, 31 inches expanded, 34 inches; waist, ects | 22 inches; wrist, 614 inches; calf, 1334 inches; neck, 13 inches; ould forearm, 9% inches; width of shoulders, 1534 inches; biceps, $ in tmal, 10 inches; expanded, 12 inches; thigh, 1914 inches; ing ankle, 10 inches; hips, 33 inches. 1, Am I heavy or light for y age? 2. What is my strongest and-weakest point? 3. What ure. | @xercises should I take? Thanking you in advance, and hoping € answers may be printed soon, yours very truly, a reader suld | from Texas, te te 125 1. You are splendidly proportioned for your age. ted ; 28 [O14 eck, | eas- kest ‘hat lop- ain, 2. You do not appear to have any weak points. 3. All healthful outdoor sports, running, swimming, etc., and Practice with the Indian clubs and dumb-bells a half hour morn- ing and evening. Don’t smoke or indulge in alcoholic drinks, d you will always retain your present excellent physique. wf _ Pror, FourMEN: Having read your department of Tip Top since No. 200 or so, I haven’t found but one boy weighing, for his age, $ much as I do. I am 15 years 7 months old, 5 feet 914 inches tall and weigh 156 pounds. Biceps, 11% inches; forearms, 101% inches; wrist, 7 inches; chest, 32, 35 and 39 inches; waist, 32 inches; thigh, 22 inches; calf, 15 inches; neck, 15 inches, 1. Hf, With my weight, I am as quick and swift as other boys, would you advise my reducing it? 2. Am I well proportioned? I am As strong as boys having biceps 2 or 2% inches larger than mine, and as for my forearm, no boy my age can beat me pulling ists. Yours truly, OLEo. MARGARINE. Kankakee, Ill. 1. No, you do not weigh too much for your height. 2. You are unusually well proportioned for your age, but it ap- Pears your chest and biceps are not as well developed as the rest are ee : ; ‘ ; om of your body. ,Constant, sensible exercise will develop you in cd your weak points and keep you in condition. er : Pror. Fourmen: I am a constant reader of Tip Top, and would like to have you criticise my measurements, which are as follows: Age, 16 years; weight, 126 pounds; height, 5 feet 6 inches; neck, 1414 inches; chest, normal, 33 inches; expanded, 3634 inches; contracted, 3014 inches; calf, 12% inches; thighs, 18!4 inches; * Wrists, 614 inches; waist, 26 inches;, shoulder to shoulder, 16% a itiches: ankles, 8 inches; biceps, 10% inches; forearm, 10 inches. low long will it take to develop biceps 4 inches more and calf % inches, and how can I do this? Thanking you in advance, hoping to see this in the Tip Top, I am, respectfully, ; Dar. G. BAUMHART. 120 East Fourth Street, Hutchinson, Kan. ; Your height, weight, chest and neck measurements are very 00d for your age. Your biceps, thighs and calves require de- WEEKLY. 31 velopment. By constant, sensible exercise, you should note a marked improvement in your biceps and calves in a couple of months. pcnsentnistetaesiad e Pror. FOURMEN : Being a constant reader of Tip Top, I take the liberty of asking you a few questions. I am 16 years of age, ye > . ‘ . * weigh 118 pounds and am 5 feet 8 inches in height. My measure- ments are as follows: Chest, normal, 32 inches; expanded, 34 - inches ; waist, 27 inches; thighs, 20 inches; calves, 13 inches; neck, 1334 inches ; upper right arm, 9 inches; expanded, 10 inches; upper left arm, 9 inches; expanded, 10% inches; right wrist, 6 inches ; left, 614 inches. ‘1. How are my.measurements? 2. What weight dumb-bells should I use? 3. Which is the best time for training, before or after breakfast? 4. What are my weak points? Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain, yours truly, Richmond, Va. Leroy Forp. 1. You are about fifteen pounds underweight. ments are fair. 2. Two-pound dumb-bells, 3. You should not begin to do any real work on an empty stomach, Before breakfast, take a brisk walk, and then, after a light, wholesome meal, commence training. Do not overdo it, however, and wear yourself out in the morning; save some of yotir energy for your evening’s exercise. 4. Your chest, biceps and calves, Your measure- Pror. FourMEN: Being a constant reader of Tip Top, I would like to know what you think about my measurements. Age, 13 years 2 months; height, 4 feet 1034 inches; chest, normal, 2714 inches; expanded, 30% inches; biceps, 10 inches; calves, 11% inches; thighs, 17% inches; weight, 83 pounds. 1. How are these? 2, Am I underweight? 3. 1 cannot run fast, but I can run far. Can you advise me as to how I can increase my speed? 4. Is one cup of coffee a day too much for me? When I was four years old I broke my arm just below the elbow. When I am throwing I sometimes feel a little pain. 5. Can you account for this? 6. As my penmanship is poor, I would like to know any points that will help me. Yours respectfully, * RatpH Connors. Chicago, Il. 1. Your measurements are good for your age. . You should weigh about ten pounds more. . By constant practice. o Yes. A boy of your age should not drink coffee at all. . Your arm was probably not set properly; hence the present trouble. 6. Your penmanship is plain, and that is the main thing. bo wk Ge Pror. Fourmen: As I have been a constant reader of the Tip Top Weekly for some time, I feel at liberty to ask a few ques- tions. 1. How ‘can I swell my bicep muscles enough to chin a bar? 2.1 am 14 years old; weight, 116 pounds. Is that too much? 3. What dumb-bell exercise is good for round shoulders? Hoping to see this in print as soon as possible, I remain, yours, Springfield, Mass. i; DG. 1. By constant exercise you will be able to chin the bar a rea- sonable number of times. Do not overdo it, however. 2. 116 pounds is very good weight for a boy of fourteen. If you are 5 feet 2 inches, or 5 feet 4 inches, it is not too much. 3.. Prof. Donovan’s “Book on U. S. Army Physical Exercises” will*tell you how to cure round shoulders. Pror. FourmMen: Following are my measurements: Age, 19 years; height, 6 feet 2 inches; weight, 165 pounds; chest, nor- mal, 32 inches;’ expanded, 38 inches; waist, 32 inches; thighs, 22% inches; calves, 14 inches; biceps, 1314 inches. 1. What are my weak points, and strong ones? 2. How can I improve them? 3. Do you recommend throwing the rope? 4. Is turning from side to side, while standing perfectly still with the legs, harmful? 5. What should I drink at meals? 6. How much? 7. How high should hurdles be? How wide apart? Does this strengthen the legs? 8 I wish to become a Tip Top halfback. By that I mean I wish to increase my speed in running, my weight to 185 pounds, learn to dodge more swiftly. Would you please map out a training to obtain these results? 9, What is the best exercise _¥ y iP" fOr 32 for punting, and kicking off? Thanking you for the unlimited amount of good you have done me, I remain, your constant ad- mirer, Sunny SoutH. 1. For your height, you are not as well developed as you should be, but I have no doubt, by the time you are twenty-one, you will fill out more and be a splendid specimen of manhood. Your weak points are your weight, chest and biceps. 2. By a thorough course of sensible training. » Yes: . No. . Water only. ». Enough to appease your thirst. 7,8 and 9. Answers to these questions can be obtained by con- sulting a good book of athletic development. Street & Smith pub- lish several. Space is too:limited to map out a course of train- ing in these columns. > WY A ur _ Pror. Fourmen: Being a reader of that “spirit giving” weekly into which you contribute so much, would kindly ask your advice as regards to my measurements. Also, to state my weak points and the exercises for same, so as I could work a bit more on them and proportion myself all through. Age, 22 years; height, 5 feet 8 inches; weight, 125 pounds; chest, contracted, 3334 inches; natural, 3514 inches; inflated, 38 inches; waist, 29 inches; hips, 32 inches; thighs, 19 inches; calves, 13 inches; biceps, 934 inches, natural; 11 inches, expanded; forearm, 10 inches; neck, 14 inches. I do a bit of bowling, also baseball and hockey, the former two incline my right arm and shoulder to progress far faster than the other. Will close, wishing all connected my best wishes for their success, I remain, in suspense, Mack. Montreal, Canada. You are at least twenty pounds underweight, and should go in for athletics vigorously, in order to develop yourself along all the measurements you have given. A practical, healthy diet, clean living, abstinence from the use of tobacco and plenty of sleep are necessary to properly develop the body. Bowling and baseball are good exercises. Drink hot water on rising in the morning and just before retiring. \ Pror. Fourmen: As I read the Tip Top Weekly every week, and your questions \and answers, I thought you would be the one to tell me how to throw the spit ball. I see in the papers that Chesbro pitches it. He is one of Manager Clark Griffith's men, of the New York American League team. ca can pitch all the other curves, and I have a book on curve pitching. If you will please tell me how to throw it, I will be ever so much obliged ,to you. I would also like to-have your opinion of my measurements. Age, 20 years; weight, 165 pounds; height, 5 feet 10% inches; neck, 1514 inches; chest, 38 inches; waist, 33 inches. How are these? Hoping to see this answered as soon as possible, I will close, with best wishes, yours truly, Wapaha P. O., Manitoba. Ernest M. Ropinson. 1. The “spit” ball is one of the latest wfinkles in curve pitch- ing, and we believe instructions in the art of pitching the same will be found in Spalding’s latest book on baseball. 2. Your measurements are all good, with the exception of your chest, which, with your height and weight, should measure at least forty inches. Pror. Fourmen: I am an old reader of Tip Top Weekly and a stanch admirer 6f Burt L. Standish. I hope you will give me some of your excellent advice as to what I should do to become permanently healthy and strong. I am 16% years old, weigh 136 pounds and am 6 feet 1 inch tall. Within the last year | have grown eight inches. My chest is but 31/2 inches. Although I have but very little spare time, I manage to be outdoors about two hours a day. Because of my fast growth, I suppose I have been unable to keep up in strength, and am quite pale. I sleep well and my appetite is hard*to satisfy. Hoping you will be kind ® enough to consider my case, and wishing the author and pub- lishers of Tip Top every success, I am, yours respectfully, New York. ; hag WwW I cannot see that there is so much to consider. You are to be probably remain undersized and poorly developed when you WEEKLY. congratulated on your growth and your appetite. I would advise that you observe regular hours, going to bed early every night, and that you practice deep breathing and keep out in the air as much as possible.” If you will drink plenty of water, three glasses ; hot on rising, some cool, during the day, and three more hot, on retiring, you will soon gain in weight. Pror, FourMeN: I am 16 years old; weight, 118 pounds; height, 5 feet 714 inches; neck, 14% inches; expanded, 34% inches; biceps, 12% inches;-wrists, 714 inches; thighs, 24 inches; calf, 14 inches; ankle, 9% inches. 1. How is my measure for an athlete? 2. What should I do to make myself stronger? 3. Am I too light? - 4. What exercise should I use? I remain, T. \N.- CRAWFORD. | 1. The measurements of your lower limbs are good, but there | is room for improvement in your chest and biceps. 4 2. Exercise sensibly. Eat proper food. Get plenty of sleep and don’t use tobacco. 3. For your height you should weigh at least fifteen pounds more, but you are probably growing and will weigh heavier as you grow older. 4. All healthy outdoor sports, a system of dumb-bell exercise | 7 and light gymnasium work. ’ % Pror. FourMEN: Being an old reader, I would like to ask a few questions. I am 14 years old; height, 5 feet; weight, 130%4 pounds; chest, normal, 18 inches; expanded, 20 inches; waist, 35 inches; neck, 11/4 inches; wrist, 84 inches. 1. Is smoking cigarettes bad for me? 2. Is boxing good for a person? 3. Can 1 you tell me how I can improve? How can I gain strength in my muscles? Iam, yours truly, hoping to be A Boxer. © 1. Cigarette smoking is very injurious, particularly to a growing boy. If you smoke now and continue the evil habit, you will grow to manhood. 3 2. Boxing is a healthful exercise and will develop your biceps, chest and thighs. j : 3. Secure a copy of Prof. Donovan’s “Art of Boxing,” pub- lished by Street & Smith, and follow the instructions contained therein. Pror. Fourmen: I am a reader of Tip Top Weekly, and will | take the liberty of asking you a few questions. I am 14 years old; height, 4 feet 914 inches; chest, normal, 2734 inches; ex- panded, 20934 inches; neck, 12% inches; thigh, 17 inches ;_ shoulders, 1314 inches; waist, 26 inches; calf, 12!4 inches. 1, What are my weak points? 2. What shall I do to remedy them? © Yours truly, Outre OLson. | Quincey, Wash. a You are very well developed for your age and height, particu- larly your thighs and calves, and I see no weak points that ré- quire criticism. Pror. FourmEN: My measurements are: Age, 14 years; height, 4 feet 5 inches; weight, 71 pounds; waist, 24 inches; chest, 28 inches; across shoulders, 12!4 inches; neck, 12 inches; biceps, right, 9% inches; left, 834 inches. on, inches; chest, normal, 327 1. First, time-worn question, © “How are my measurements?” 2. 1 get up at 5.30 A. M. and- take a medium long run. Then, after resting five minutes, go to splitting wood. I do that until I am tired and then drink two cups of hot water and have breakfast in half an hour. -I 7 keep my muscles flexible by punching the bag. What different exercises would you recommend, if any? Thanking you in ad- vance, I remain, " Chardon, Ohio. 1. Your measurements are good, ¥ 2. You are on the right track to make a_ perfect physical man out of yourself. Continue the system you are following, and your development, as you grow older, will surprise you. The only thing to guard against is not to overdo it. Rowing and. swimming, in season, are also healthful and muscle buiiding, | AN ADMIRER | he in ne ey tal He on tw tw pai an ani nee yor ull: bac in inc enc stre I phy que incl 29 bas as | es 32 y% 4 to. se ; re. Pror. Fourmen: I am 15% years old; weight, 98 pounds; height, 5 feet 4 inches; chest, normal, 28 inches; expanded, 30 inches; forearm, 8% inches; waist, 25 inches; calf, 1134 inches; neck, 11 inches. 1. How are my measurements? I have weak eyes, and when I get overheated my eyes get red, so I cannot take part in football, handball or any other such games. 2. How can I get heavy without injuring my eyes? I have a route on a morning paper, and get up at four o'clock and walk for two hours. 3. Is it harmful to get up at four and walk for two hours? I have a Main Street route and I have twenty-four pairs of stairs to climb. 4. Is this injurious? Hoping to see an answer, I remain, yours forever, Red: Walla Walla, Wash. 1. Not so very good. You are underweight twenty pounds, and your chest and biceps—if I can judge by your forearms— need development. You should practice deep breathing since you have such a good outdeor chance. A little prevention now may prevent You should see an oc- ulist about your eyes. bad effects later. 2. By drinking plenty of water—three glasses, hot, on rising in the morning, and three on retiring. I cannct see what your increased weight would have to do with your eyes. 3. Not at all. It ought to build you up, if you go to bed early enough. 4. I should say not. Strengthen you. It is hard in a way, but it ought to Pror. Fourmen: I have read your questions and answers on physical culture, and I thought I would write and ask you a few questions. My age is 15 years; weight, 108 pounds; wrists, 6% inches; chest, normal, 31 inches; expanded, 3434 inches; waist, 29 inches. I play halfback on a football team and catch for a baseball nine. I can jump four feet four inches. I can sprint pretty fast. My wind is fine. I am a fair swimmer and good high diver. I skate and ride a wheel a good deal. 1. Will you tell me my weak points and how to improve them? 2. How long should I stay in the water at a time? 3. Are my given measurements good? Hoping to see this in print soon, 1 re- main, yours truly, WILLIAM Derick. Colorado Springs, Colo. 1. Your measurements cre so few that I can only speak of your chest and waist, both of which can stand improvement. You should practice deep breathing and try and add an inch to the former. For your waist, touch your toes fifty times a day with your fingers without bending your knees. 2. Fifteen minutes. 3. Fair. Pror. FourMeEN: As I am a constart reader of Tip Top, I take the liberty to ask a few questions. I am 16 years 6 months of age, 5 feet 10 inches tall and we:gh 128 pounds. My measure- ments are: Upper arm, 11 inches; lower, 10 inches; calf, 15 inches; thigh, 22 inches; neck, 13 inches; across shoulder, 13 inches; chest, normal, 34% inches; expanded, 36!4 inches. 1. How much more should I weigh? 2. If I have any strong points, what are they? 3. What are my weak points? 4. How can.I grow taller? 5. How do my measurements compare with others of the same age? Sincerely yours, M. A. H. Ballard, Wash. 145 pounds. . Your chest is fair and your arms are not bad. . Your shoulders. . I know of no way. to grow much taller. 5. Very fair, indeed. & wh I should not think you would want TIP TOP BASEBALL TOURNAMENT IS NOW OPEN. declared the winners. The two teams which, at the end of the season, have the highest average—the members of which play the greatest number of games, score the most runs and have lost the least number of games, will be Of the two winning teams, the one having the higher average will be declared the TIP TOP CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF THE ALL-AMERICAN BASEBALL TOURNAMENT FOR 1905, and will receive a large pennant bearing the above device. for nine members consisting of trousers, shirt, stockings, shoes and cap. DON’T FAIL TO SEND IN YOUR COUPON AT ONCE No notice taken of any score not entered on this coupon. Coupons must be properly made out. One coupon for each game. Each winning team will receive a full equipment Is this not worth working for, boys? Peene OF beni. ot Se Town NAMES OF TEAM Tip Top Baseball Tournament Coupon State POSITION Pitcher Catcher Ist Base 2d Base 3d Base _|Short Stop R. Field C. Field ees - L. Field Mine CONG iss os et -Opponent’s Name NAMES OF TEAM